Sabida sent 12 Thai youths to showcase traditional Thai costumes to the people of Paris, telling the story of Thai roots on the global stage at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, GMT+7 29 Sep 2026.
On 29 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that Ms. Sabida Tai Set, Minister of Culture, traveled to send off and encourage 12 Thai youths from leading schools—Sathit MSU Pathumwan School, Sathit MSU Prasarnmit (Secondary), Mahidol University International Demonstration School, Ruamrudee International School, and King's College International School Bangkok—along with officials from the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth, at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province, on 28 Sep 2026 GMT+7. This was for their participation in the "International Peace Conference on Youth Traditional Culture Education: Ignite the Vital Spark of the Heart" held from 1–2 Oct 2026 GMT+7 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
This journey is not merely about attending an international forum but about presenting "Thainess" to the world through young people who possess knowledge, creativity, and pride in their roots. The 12 Thai youths will exchange perspectives with peers from various countries and deliver talks sharing Thai identity under the themes "Growing with Thai Roots" and "Igniting the Light in Youth Lives." They aim to show that culture is not just about the past but a force shaping young people to understand themselves and others and live together peacefully. The traditional Thai costumes worn are not just clothing but "wearable stories" that will bring Thailand’s heritage, values, refinement, wisdom, and identity to the world stage.
The Department of Cultural Promotion emphasizes creating opportunities for youth to be "cultural heirs and transmitters," not just passive recipients from previous generations but able to use cultural capital to communicate, develop, and create new values fitting the modern world. This participation is both an opportunity to showcase the beauty of traditional Thai costumes and textiles and to raise awareness, understanding, and appreciation of cultural heritage and wisdom. "Chud Thai" (Traditional Thai Costume) At the international level, Thai youths will also learn and exchange cultures with peers from diverse countries, fostering understanding and respect for differences, which form the foundation for peaceful coexistence.
From traditional Thai costumes to the global stage, from roots to the future, and from the power of youth to the power of peace: when the new generation proudly knows their roots, they can stand confidently amid the world’s diversity, becoming an important force in fostering understanding among people and cultures, and transforming pride in Thainess into creative energy for Thai society.