Chud Thai UNESCO heritage decision expected on December 2–3
Thailand’s Chud Thai nomination covers traditional knowledge, craftsmanship and national dress, including eight women’s styles and three forms for men.
- Thailand's national dress, Chud Thai, is expected to be recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage item.
- The official announcement is anticipated on December 2–3, 2026, during a UNESCO committee meeting in Xiamen, China.
- The nomination, titled "Chud Thai: knowledge, craftsmanship and practices of the Thai national costume," was submitted following a 2024 Cabinet resolution.
- The nomination covers traditional dress for both men and women, including eight royally-favored styles for women developed under Queen Sirikit.
Culture Minister Sabida Thaised expects Chud Thai, Thailand’s national dress, to receive UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognition, with an official announcement anticipated on December 2–3, 2026, in Xiamen, China.
Sabida invited Thai people to follow the outcome and share in the pride associated with the country’s national costume, which encompasses traditional dress for both women and men.
Nomination follows 2024 Cabinet decision
Thailand submitted “Chud Thai: knowledge, craftsmanship and practices of the Thai national costume” for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity following a Cabinet resolution in 2024.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will hold the 21st session of its Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Xiamen from November 30 to December 5. Sabida’s expected announcement window falls within that meeting.
Eight women’s styles developed under Queen Sirikit
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother laid the foundations for women’s national dress through design work and a systematic study of clothing worn in the Thai royal court. She subsequently commissioned specialists to develop styles that preserved their elegance while remaining suitable for contemporary use.
The resulting collection, known as Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom, or royally favoured Thai dress, became internationally recognised. Its eight styles are Ruean Ton, Chitralada, Amarin, Boromphiman, Dusit, Chakri, Siwalai and Chakraphat.
Three forms of men’s national dress
Men’s national attire is known as Chud Phra Ratchathan, with the shirt referred to as Suea Phra Ratchathan. The clothing comes in three principal forms, distinguished by sleeve length and the use of a waist sash.
Short-sleeved men’s national dress is worn for general occasions, work and ceremonies. The long-sleeved version is intended for ceremonial occasions, while long sleeves combined with a waist sash are reserved for important ceremonies requiring full formal dress.
Chud Thai represents a distinctive part of Thailand’s cultural heritage and soft power. National dress also remains popular among younger people, many of whom wear it for photographs at tourist attractions.
