A source of pride for Thai people and Sakon Nakhon residents, from Thai GI wisdom to the Thai national athletes' ceremonial outfits at the Asian Games, showcasing the identity of “Sakon Nakhon Indigo Paste–Natural Indigo Fabric” and adding value to local communities.
The Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, joins in celebrating and taking pride in “Sakon Nakhon Indigo Paste” and “Sakon Nakhon Natural Indigo Fabric” GI products from Sakon Nakhon Province, which were selected as part of the Thai national athletes' ceremonial outfits for the competition Asian Games 2026. In Nagoya, Japan, under the design of the brand SIRIVANNAVARI, by the designer HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, who serves as an athlete, designer, and fashion and design ambassador for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This work links fashion, creativity, and intellectual property, helping to add value, expand opportunities to new consumer groups, and generate income for farmers, producers, weaving groups, and entrepreneurs in the community, while sharing the story of Thai GI wisdom on the global stage.
Ms. Oramon Saptaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed that the design of the Thai athletes' ceremonial outfits this time by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya was intended to blend Thai fabric identity with contemporary fashion, conveying Thainess through modern design and showcasing the potential of Thai textiles and handicrafts internationally. It is a source of pride for Sakon Nakhon residents and all Thais that two GI products from Sakon Nakhon — Sakon Nakhon Indigo Paste and Sakon Nakhon Natural Indigo Fabric — have been elevated and developed into elegant contemporary fashion on the international stage, while also telling the story of their origin, craftsmanship, and wisdom behind the fabric.
Ms. Oramon said, “Sakon Nakhon Indigo Paste” and “Sakon Nakhon Natural Indigo Fabric” are renowned GI products that clearly reflect the identity and wisdom of Sakon Nakhon Province. Specifically, “Sakon Nakhon Indigo Paste” was registered as a GI on 30 May 2025. It is made from indigo leaves of the straight pod or curved pod variety. The climate of Sakon Nakhon is well-suited to cultivating indigo plants and fermenting indigo paste, resulting in a quality paste characterized by sticky, viscous, thick texture, deep glossy blue color, and a natural indigo fragrance. Its color is long-lasting and does not fade easily, making it a key raw material for indigo-dyed fabrics. Meanwhile, “Sakon Nakhon Natural Indigo Fabric” was registered as a GI on 26 July 2006. It is cotton fabric dyed with natural indigo in Sakon Nakhon Province. The fabric is produced using traditional knowledge of dye preparation and dyeing methods passed down through generations, resulting in distinctive fabric that ranges in color from light blue to deep blue, with a sheen, colorfastness, and a unique fragrance.
Due to these distinctive qualities and value, Sakon Nakhon natural indigo fabric is not merely a material for general sewing but can be further developed into various high-value fashion and creative products. This creates economic opportunities throughout the value chain—from indigo farmers, indigo paste producers, weaving groups, dyers, to entrepreneurs who develop indigo fabric into various products—thus generating jobs and distributing income within communities. It also inspires younger generations to appreciate local wisdom and participate in preserving and developing this heritage.
The Thai athletes' ceremonial outfits for the Asian Games were designed under the concept “The Art of Unity.” They incorporate Sakon Nakhon natural indigo fabric, a GI product from the Ban Don Koi indigo weaving group in Phanna Nikhom District, Sakon Nakhon Province, one of the communities with GI-standardized production and quality control. The design combines this fabric with cotton from the Support Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Crafts to express the meticulousness, patience, and dedication of weavers and dyers, symbolizing the journey of athletes who undergo rigorous training and continuous effort before stepping onto the international stage. The shades and characteristics of the fabric, derived from traditional indigo dyeing methods, reflect the charm of unique handicrafts. Utilizing GI products “Sakon Nakhon Indigo Paste and Natural Indigo Fabric” to tailor the Thai national athletes' ceremonial outfits serves as a model for leveraging intellectual property through design to expand markets to new consumer groups, increase GI product value, and create more business opportunities for communities.
The Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property added that upgrading Thai GI products is a key strategy to convert cultural value into economic value, aligning with the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthumpan, which emphasizes using intellectual property and creativity as tools to create value and enhance the competitiveness of Thai products. The Department of Intellectual Property will continue to promote GI products comprehensively—from protection and maintaining production standards, quality development, branding and storytelling, design and value addition, to linking marketing channels domestically and internationally—to make GI a crucial mechanism for strengthening community economies sustainably. Interested parties can support GI products by following information on Facebook: GI Thailand.
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