Thailand Promotes Chud Thai in Paris for UNESCO Bid

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A campaign highlighting Thailand’s national Chud Thai dress landed in Paris on October 10 at Le Meurice hotel, as part of a multiyear effort to secure UNESCO recognition for the traditional attire, wwd.com reported. The half-day stop featured a runway showcase and academic discussions on the evolution of Thai national costumes and textiles, according to khaosodenglish.com. Spearheaded by Thai princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the campaign seeks to secure the inclusion of the nation’s traditional clothing on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

UNESCO Inscription Bid in Xiamen

Carrying the official designation Chud Thai: knowledge, craftsmanship and practices of the Thai national dress, Chud Thai: knowledge, craftsmanship and practices of the Thai national dress. yahoo.com noted that this submission is scheduled for review during the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, to be held in Xiamen, China. The Thai Cabinet approved the submission of the nomination in 2024 following earlier small gatherings at ambassadorial residences where dresses were borrowed from the princess’s wardrobe, according to wwd.com and khaosodenglish.com.

Cultural Showcase at Le Meurice

The Ministry of Culture organized the two-day event in Paris on October 10 and 11, featuring fashion presentations of all eight styles of Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom alongside three styles of royal-initiated shirts, khaosodenglish.com reported. The garments were tailored by the Tirapan and Pa Couture fashion houses. Traditional craftsmanship was demonstrated through krung mai embroidery and pha yok brocade weaving presented by National Artist Veeratham Trakulkernthai, alongside five craft demonstrations covering gold brocade textiles, gold-thread lace-making, traditional embroidery, antique Thai jewelry, and decorative floral garlands.

Tribute to Queen Sirikit

The late queen mother was instrumental in developing Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom, establishing eight foundational styles for women and three for men. The Paris presentation follows the Royal Thai dress, from tradition to modernity exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which ran until November 1, wwd.com reported.

Revival of Thai Silk and Textile Industries

Princess Nariratana Rajakanya stated an intention to integrate Thai fashion history, dyeing traditions, and textile motifs into university curricula in Thailand and internationally to establish the country as a prominent global fashion destination.

Intergovernmental Committee Consideration in China

The decision will determine whether the knowledge, craftsmanship, and practices of the Thai national dress will be officially inscribed on the international heritage list.