The Minister of Culture held a seminar to disseminate and share knowledge about the royal preferred Thai costume, alongside an exhibition honoring Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in preparation to promote "Chut Thai" for UNESCO registration by late 2026.
On 15 January 2026, reporters noted that at 16:00 on 14 January 2026, Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, presided over the opening of a seminar and exhibition to disseminate and share knowledge about the royal preferred Thai costume honoring Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. This event was part of the project to promote the potential of contemporary Thai culture internationally, attended by diplomats, Mr. Prasop Riang-ngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Mrs. Yuthika Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, and other officials.
Also present were the Department of Cultural Promotion, advisors to the royal preferred Thai costume and Thai textiles project, Ms. Kittiporn Jaiboon, an expert in cultural wisdom acting as Director of the Cultural Heritage Division, Ms. Siwaphorn Chantakraiwat, Director of the Cultural Heritage Promotion and Development Group, honored guests, and media representatives at the ICON Art & Culture Space on the 8th floor of ICONSIAM, Bangkok.
Minister of Culture Ms. Sabida Thaiset revealed that the Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Cultural Promotion, recognizes the importance of widely disseminating accurate and reliable knowledge about the royal preferred Thai costume to all sectors of the public. This also honors Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who initiated research into traditional Thai women's attire. She later bestowed "Chut Thai" as the national costume to be worn on various occasions, promoting her royal initiatives to improve the lives and welfare of the people, especially in Thai textile craftsmanship. Moreover, preparations are underway for the consideration of registering "Chut Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of The Thai National Costume" as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity with UNESCO, expected to be reviewed in December 2026.
The exhibition honoring Queen Sirikit with the royal preferred Thai costume is held from 14 to 20 January 2026 at Thara Hall, M floor, ICONSIAM, Bangkok. It aims to convey knowledge about the royal preferred Thai costume and support students, designers, Thai costume makers, textile producers, rental businesses, and the public in accessing accurate and reliable information about this cultural heritage. This knowledge is considered a cultural asset with the potential to generate income and economic value for the country.
