Thailand Promotes Chud Thai National Costume at The Hague Roadshow

Brickinfo News Agency – The Department of Cultural Promotion, under Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, has launched an international roadshow in the Netherlands to showcase the “Chud Thai” national costume. The event, titled “CHUD THAI: KNOWLEDGE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRACTICES OF THE THAI NATIONAL COSTUME,” held at Hotel Des Indes in The Hague on April 9-10, 2026, aims to present the evolution and intricate craftsmanship of Thai textiles to a global audience ahead of a major UNESCO heritage bid.

On April 9, 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presided over an academic seminar where she delivered a keynote address on “The Evolution of Thai Costume and Thai Textiles.” The presentation featured the eight distinct styles of Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom for women and three styles of Phra Rajathan shirts for men. The showcase highlighted these garments not as historical artifacts but as a living heritage that continues to adapt to contemporary designs.

The roadshow included demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship, including Yan Lipao basketry and gold and silver thread embroidery. These elements represent the cultural capital of Thailand, originating from the royal initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, who dedicated her work to the preservation of Thai attire as a national identity. The event was attended by ambassadors from 34 countries and representatives from international organizations, including the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Regarding the cultural significance and future of the national dress, the project organizers stated: “Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom is regarded as a highly valuable cultural heritage… representing the origin of a concept that has been extended toward the development of Thai identity in the global context and serves as an inspiration for further development in all dimensions.” This sentiment underscores the transition of traditional craftsmanship into sustainable cultural recognition.

Currently, the Thai government is moving forward with international formalization. In 2024, the Cabinet approved the nomination of “Chud Thai” for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The final consideration for this status is scheduled to take place during the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee in December 2026.

The eight styles of Chud Thai, named after royal halls and residences within the Grand Palace and Dusit Palace—including Thai Ruean Ton, Thai Chitralada, Thai Amarin, Thai Boromphiman, Thai Dusit, Thai Chakri, Thai Siwalai, and Thai Chakraphat—remain the primary focus of this cultural diplomacy. The initiative seeks to ensure that Thai identity is conveyed as a living value, ready for sustainable recognition on the world stage.