Ms. Sunanta Kangwankulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, revealed that the collaborative "Thai Kimono Project," led by the department's International Trade Promotion Office in Tokyo together with the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Public Organization) or SACIT, and Japan's OMIYA Co., Ltd., a renowned kimono manufacturer, has officially launched. On 25 Nov 2025 GMT+7, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana wore a kimono made from Thai fabric, delighting and drawing significant interest from the Japanese public.
The kimono was crafted using Thai woven fabrics from the "Enjoy Wearing Thai Fabrics" project inspired by the princess, combined with the design expertise and quality control of OMIYA Co., Ltd., a company with over 74 years of experience and recognized as a leader in the kimono industry.
Mr. Chanthaphat Panjamanon, Director of the International Trade Promotion Office in Tokyo, Japan, stated that this collaboration originated from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s visit to Japan in 1981, during which she observed a fashion exhibition featuring Thai silk ikat fabrics tailored into kimonos. Currently, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari is committed to continuing, preserving, and expanding upon this royal initiative.
The office has adopted this idea to revive and further develop it into sustainable trade. The project has been warmly received by the Japanese market, with over 1,000 orders totaling more than 17.6 million yen. This success has significantly increased both the volume and value of Thai fabric sales, providing tangible income to Thai weaving communities. This aligns with the princess’s royal intention to improve the quality of life sustainably for the Thai people.
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