Supamas expressed delight as Udon Thani residents join in preserving Thai fabric, showcasing its valuable identity and advancing local wisdom onto the global stage. She invited fashion enthusiasts to attend the free event from 19 to 21 June 2026.
On 19 June 2026 at 14:00, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, presided over the opening ceremony of the exhibition and academic seminar titled "Legacy: Fashion Sector in Northeastern Thailand," held at UDON HALL, 4th floor, Central Udon Thani Shopping Center, Udon Thani Province. Organized by the Public Relations Department, the event serves as a learning space to exchange knowledge and present the potential of contemporary Thai fabric from model communities nationwide, promoting Thai identity on the world stage. Attendees included Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaileua, Advisor to the Minister; Ms. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister; Ms. Sudruthai Lertkasem, Director-General of the Public Relations Department; Mr. Natthapong Khamwongpin, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani; Mr. Meechai Taesujariya, National Artist in Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Weaving; along with designers, academics, entrepreneurs, the public, and media representatives.
Ms. Supamas stated that this event is a significant opportunity for Udon Thani, as the economic and cultural center of Northeast Thailand, to provide a platform for citizens, tourists, entrepreneurs, and the younger generation to appreciate the value of Thai fabric and contemporary fashion. This fashion evolves from local wisdom through design and creativity, aiming to expand Thai fabric's reach to younger consumers and international markets.
The event also honors the immeasurable royal benevolence of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who has preserved, restored, and developed Thai fabrics and handicrafts, sustaining their place in Thai society. Her Majesty created careers, improved people’s quality of life, and promoted the beauty of Thai wisdom to the world.
Simultaneously, it continues the royal mission to promote Thai arts and crafts and celebrates Her Majesty Queen Suthida Phatcharasutthaphimol, who promotes Thai identity by wearing Thai and local fabrics during official royal duties. It also honors HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, who drives the "Have Fun Wearing Thai Fabric" project and serves as the first WIPO Ambassador for Fashion and Design.
Moreover, the event offers the public a chance to pay tribute with deep gratitude to HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, Princess Rajasarinisirinipatchra, a royal devoted to preserving and promoting the beauty of Thai fabrics.
Ms. Supamas added that Thai fabric is not only clothing but also cultural capital and wisdom that generates economic value. When combined with contemporary design, it can create community income, expand career opportunities, and enhance Thailand’s image internationally. Holding the event in Northeast Thailand is a key step to open a space for professors, students, designers, entrepreneurs, and communities to learn, exchange ideas, and advance Thai fabric toward a modern future.
Ms. Sudruthai Lertkasem, Director-General of the Public Relations Department, said the department continues to promote Thai identity through fashion in Northeast Thailand. This event aims to elevate Thai fabric into contemporary fashion via exhibitions, academic seminars, and fashion shows to create career opportunities, income, and pride in Thai identity.
A highlight of the event is the fashion show themed "THE WALK OF WOVEN IDENTITIES: The Runway of Interwoven Identity," conveying stories, identity, and local wisdom into modern fashion. Famous actor Phon Nawath Phuphanthachsee participated in the show, adding color and inspiration for attendees.
The event includes an exhibition of over 100 products from 10 model communities nationwide, developed through design and contemporary fashion knowledge. These showcase Thai fabric identity in new forms that meet today’s market demands. The program also features academic seminars on Thai fabrics and contemporary fashion covering key topics such as “Royal Thai Attire: From the Court to Modernity,” “Royal Thai Attire and Thai Wisdom: From Cultural Heritage to New Inspiration,” and “Thai Fashion with Identity: From Community Wisdom to Global Markets.”
The seminars feature distinguished national experts including Mr. Meechai Taesujariya, National Artist in Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Weaving; Dr. Sarinda Chamraman, Advisor to the “Have Fun Wearing Thai Fabric” project; Mr. Sirichai Taharanon, founder of THEATRE brand; Mr. Wicharawit Akarasantisuk, founder of WISHARAWISH; Mr. Phuphawit Kritpolnara, founder of ISSUE; Ms. Jensuda Panto Sirisant, founder of JANESUDA; along with professors and fashion experts from leading educational institutions, sharing knowledge and perspectives on developing Thailand’s fashion industry.
The 10 selected model communities participating are: U My Thai, weaving group from Ban Mae San Ban Tong, Lamphun Province; Thai Silk Village Co., Ltd., Chiang Mai Province; Kham Su Naree Silk Group, Nakhon Ratchasima; Th. Monto Group, Udon Thani; Khwan Ta Group, Nong Bua Lamphu; CHATTUWAN THAISILK, Roi Et; Mongkhon Monthra Thikarn Pattern Weaving Group, Kalasin; Impani Group, Ratchaburi; Sriwichai Weaving Mill Group, Surat Thani; and ME-D NATHAP, Songkhla.
Ms. Supamas invited the public, tourists, entrepreneurs, and fashion enthusiasts in Udon Thani to attend the free event from 19 to 21 June 2026, from 10:00 to 21:00, at UDON HALL, 4th floor, Central Udon Thani Shopping Center. She also encouraged following the final showcase from 11 to 13 August 2026, at 1st floor, Iconsiam Shopping Center, Bangkok.
At the final event, visitors will enjoy a special fashion show presenting the charm of Thai fabric through contemporary perspectives, featuring works from model communities and designers developed through the project. The runway will include top models, artists, and famous actors such as Aom Kornnapas Settharatpong, Lina Lalina Chouette, Mew Natcha Techamongkolapiwat, and Bank Sorram Englap, along with many other celebrities who will promote and inspire wearing Thai fabric.
