Chud Thai:The Knowledge, Craftsmanship, and Practices of the Thai National Costume
By Roy ie Ajtam
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya delivered an impactful and authoritative keynote lecture on “Chud Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom” in The Hague on April 9, 2026. This event powerfully showcased the royal vision of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who stands as a groundbreaking designer and stylist. Her bold vision has not only created timeless embodiment of Thai culture but has also been instrumental in preserving and promoting Thailand’s rich cultural heritage through national dress.
In her lecture, “The Evolution of Chud Thai and Thai Textiles,” the Princess confidently presented eight styles of Chud Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom and three styles of men’s royal shirts.
Princess Sirivannavari holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chulalongkorn University and a Master’s in Design from Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France. Her collaboration with French couturier Pierre Balmain led to a notable fashion show in Paris, and her debut collection,”Presence of the Past,”fused modern design with traditional Thai elements. She also designed the dress for Sophida Kanchanarin, Thailand’s representative at the Miss Universe 2018 pageant.
Dedicated to honouring the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, Princess Sirivannavari is committed to preserving Thai craftsmanship and innovating to meet contemporary global demands.
Chulalongkorn University awarded her an honorary Doctorate in Fine and Applied Arts for her significant contributions to Thai fashion through her brand, Sirivannavari.
The prestigious Hotel des Indes in The Hague served as an exceptional venue for this royal presentation, with its historical architecture enhancing the impact of the evening.
The program featured all eight styles of Chud Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom—Thai Ruean Ton, Thai Chitralada, Thai Amarin, Thai Borom.himan, Thai Chakri, Thai Dusit, Thai Siwalai, and Thai Chakkraphat, along with three styles of royal shirts for men. These styles are strong expressions of Thai identity and artistry.
Furthermore, the exhibition offers a contemporary interpretation of Thai design, marking a significant step in elevating Thai dress on the global stage.
This initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit to safeguarding and promoting Thailand’s cultural identity.
In her special lecture, Her Royal Highness highlighted the design philosophy that harmonizes cultural heritage with contemporary expression and global aesthetics. She underscored the timeless elegance and cultural integrity of Chud Thai in today’s global fashion landscape.
The presentation attracted a distinguished audience, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organizations, senior officials from the public and private sectors, leading Dutch media, as well as prominent figures and influencers in fashion, lifestyle, and the creative industries from both the Netherlands and the international community.
The Chud Thai is poised to be nominated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH) Therefore the Thai Cabinet approved the submission of “Chud Thai: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” to UNESCO for consideration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, to be reviewed at the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee in 2026.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari concluded her presentation with flair, displaying models who demonstrated all eight variations of the Chud Thai. Notably, Ambassador H.E. Asi Mamanee and his spouse joined the ranks of the models, adding to the elegance of the event.
This was an memorable Royal Thai experience unique, stylish, and undeniably impactful, offering a compelling glimpse into the rich cultural significance of the Chud Thai and everything it embodies.
