The Prime Minister highlights 2026 as the "Golden Year of Thai Textiles," promoting Thai silk on the global stage to advance the creative economy and Thai culture. He emphasizes that Thai silk serves as a "cultural ambassador," helping to share the charm and wisdom of Thailand with the world’s audience.
On 6 June 2026 at 18:20, at the Navy Auditorium on Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the opening ceremony of the 15th annual Thai Silk Festival “Thai Silk on the Global Path” for the year 2026.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister paid respects before the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and also made a royal homage to the portrait of Her Majesty the Queen.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister declared 2026 the "Golden Year of Thai Textiles," noting the widespread renewed interest in wearing Thai textiles, especially among younger generations, inspired by the royal initiative “Have Fun Wearing Thai Textiles.” He praised the international success of Thai fabrics and traditional Thai costumes showcased at the "Royal Attire Goes Global" exhibition under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya in Paris, France. The exhibition marked the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France and continued the royal legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, earning much international acclaim.
The Prime Minister stated that the 15th Thai Silk Festival and the award ceremony for The 7th Next Big Silk Designer Contest 2026, held to honor Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana on the occasion of her 48th birthday, represent an important step in preserving, maintaining, and enhancing the value of Thai silk. These events also encourage the younger generation to creatively develop designs that reflect Thai identity on the international stage.
He added that Thai silk is a vital symbol of the nation’s cultural identity and valuable wisdom, reflecting meticulous craftsmanship, elegance, and skills passed down through generations. It also serves as a medium to tell stories of local lifestyles, beliefs, and arts through unique regional patterns, colors, and weaving techniques.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Thai silk acts as a "cultural ambassador," spreading the charm and wisdom of Thailand worldwide, while also being a key driver of the creative economy. The government prioritizes supporting the Thai silk industry in all aspects and believes its preservation and development success comes from cooperation among all sectors, collectively promoting Thai silk as a national heritage, economic force, and a symbol of international friendship.
“I congratulate the award winners of the contest and thank all agencies involved in organizing the 15th Thai Silk Festival. I wish the event great success and hope it inspires Thais to continue preserving Thai silk for its cultural and economic value, bringing pride to the nation,” the Prime Minister said.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister presented two awards at The 7th Next Big Silk Designer Contest: the Grand Prize for Contemporary Thai Silk Costume and the Grand Prize for Royal Thai Costume. He then posed for photos with organizers and award recipients, watched a video on the project’s background, and viewed a fashion show featuring royal Thai costumes and silk ensembles.
The 15th Thai Silk Festival was held to honor Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana on the auspicious occasion of her 48th birthday. The event featured participation from 72 embassies, 18 honorary consulates, and 36 foreign ambassadors in Thailand who modeled on stage. Additionally, more than 79 teams from educational institutions nationwide took part, including over 1,000 fashion and textile students and faculty, demonstrating the collective effort to preserve and elevate Thai silk on the global platform.
