A digital immersive journey through Thailand’s royal costume legacy
Explore the "Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage" exhibition at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, showcasing Thailand's royal costumes and cultural heritage.
The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles has launched a new exhibition titled “Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage” to share the knowledge and legacy of the Thai royal costumes, inspired by the royal initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
The exhibition, being showcased for the first time this year, coincides with Thailand's nomination of Chut Thai Phra Ratchaniyom (Thai Royal Traditional Dress) for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with deliberations scheduled for 2026 following the Ministry of Culture's submission in 2023.
Opening Ceremony of the Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage Exhibition
The Museum of Textiles was honoured with a royal visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who graciously inaugurated the exhibition “Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage” at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles in the Grand Palace on August 15 at 3pm.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Honorary Advisor of the Museum, along with museum staff, committee members, representatives from UNESCO Thailand, and foreign ambassadors, were present to welcome Her Royal Highness.
During the event, Princess Sirivannavari guided foreign diplomats and UNESCO representatives through the exhibition, which aimed to promote the understanding of Thai traditional costumes to international audiences.
Elegant Thai royal costumes
The exhibition “Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage” honours the royal efforts of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in promoting the conservation and encouragement of traditional Thai dress.
It also serves to educate the public and tourists about the history, value, and artistry behind the Thai traditional costume, inspiring sustainable cultural practices.
The royal Thai costumes were the result of the Queen Mother’s vision for the design of women’s attire that reflects Thailand’s national identity, first worn by Her Majesty in 1960 during an official visit to the United States and 14 European countries, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations.
The exhibition features all eight styles of the royal Thai costume, including Ruen Ton, Chitlada, Amarin, Boromphiman, Dusit, Chakri, Siwalai, and Jakkrapat. Each garment is displayed with detailed descriptions highlighting their unique beauty and craftsmanship.
Royal portraits showcasing Thai traditional costumes
The exhibition also includes a series of royal portraits of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in her Thai traditional costumes, which were worn during her diplomatic visits from 1959 to 1960, as well as her subsequent consistent adoption of Thai dress for royal occasions and visits.
These royal ensembles gained international recognition, and the Queen Mother was listed as one of the world’s most stylish women in the International Best-Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1960, 1961, and 1964.
Authenticity in digital immersive presentation
“Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage” also includes immersive digital presentations, showcasing the historical transformation of Thai women’s attire, such as the introduction of the Phatung (Thai sarong), designed by Princess Valaya Alongkorn, to be more practical and accessible.
The exhibition includes information about the eight traditional costume styles and guidelines on how to wear them correctly, covering details such as sleeve designs, necklines, wrap skirts, pleats, and accessories.
At the far end of the exhibition, visitors are introduced to the journey of the Thai costume as a world heritage element, exploring how the Queen Mother’s vision turned Thai attire into a symbol of national pride through her tireless dedication and craftsmanship, presented through the immersive digital format.
Free entry for 30 days
Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother on October 24 the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is offering free admission from October 27 for a period of 30 days (until November 25). This gesture is for visitors wishing to pay their respects at the royal portrait in the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace.
Foreign tourists will not be allowed during this period, but Thai nationals and foreign nationals who are part of a family visiting to pay respects can enter without charge. Visitors are required to adhere to dress codes when entering the museum, as per the dress code for paying respects to the Queen Mother’s portrait.
The museum is accessible via the same route to the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion, and those visiting the museum can also access facilities for those requiring wheelchairs. For updates regarding changes to visiting details, the museum’s Facebook page, Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, will provide all information.
