Thailand team launches special exhibition to great acclaim in Korea. "Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Art" At the National Museum of Korea, displaying royal Thai traditional costumes, antiquities, and artworks.
On 22 June 2026, reporters noted that Mr. Theerakul Niyom, special representative of Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Thani Sangrat, Ambassador to Seoul; and Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information acting as Director-General, jointly presided over the opening ceremony of the special exhibition. "Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Art" Held at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, South Korea, the exhibition features valuable Thai antiquities and artworks on display for three months, from 23 June to 6 September 2026.
This marks the first presentation of Thai history and art at the National Museum of the Republic of Korea, which ranks as the world's third most visited museum. The exhibition is a collaboration between the National Museum of Korea and Thailand's Fine Arts Department, showcasing over 200 precious antiquities from across Thailand. The opening ceremony was attended by government representatives, cultural figures, diplomats, media, and dignitaries from both Thailand and South Korea, reflecting cultural cooperation as a bridge fostering good relations and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Additionally, the exhibition features royal Thai traditional costumes, supported by the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, alongside the main exhibition. This highlights the beauty of Thai wisdom, craftsmanship, and identity to Korean and international visitors, while promoting awareness of the Thai traditional costume's nomination as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2026.
At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Thani expressed his delight to witness the launch of the special exhibition "Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Art" at the National Museum of Korea. This is the first exhibition of Thai antiquities and artworks in the Republic of Korea and represents a milestone in enhancing cultural cooperation between Thailand and South Korea. The exhibition not only presents valuable Thai artifacts and artworks but also conveys the story of Thai civilization's long history, from prehistoric times through the Rattanakosin era, reflecting the pivotal roles of Buddhism, the monarchy, and Thai wisdom in shaping the nation's identity with dignity to this day.
Importantly, the exhibition also demonstrates Thailand's openness in engaging and exchanging with diverse civilizations through trade, travel, and cultural exchange. This characteristic has enabled Thailand to preserve its cultural roots while continuously learning from and innovating through interactions with various foreign cultures.
To further promote understanding of Thai art and culture in multiple dimensions, the Royal Thai Embassy, with support from the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, displays royal Thai traditional costumes (Chud Thai) and royal garments. These exhibits reflect the exquisite craftsmanship, textile wisdom, and enduring identity of Thai dress, which have been preserved and developed over time.
As the Thai government is in the process of nominating the "Royal Thai Traditional Costume" for inscription as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO at the end of 2026, this exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to share Thai cultural values closely with Korean and international visitors in the Republic of Korea.
Ambassador Thani added that Thailand and the Republic of Korea share a strong and comprehensive relationship. He is confident that this exhibition will deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries and serve as another bridge strengthening friendship for the future. He expressed gratitude to the National Museum of Korea, the Fine Arts Department, the Thai Ministry of Culture, and all agencies and individuals involved in making this valuable exhibition possible.