Thailand showcases Chud Thai craftsmanship in Paris ahead of UNESCO review

PARIS, France — Thailand showcased its traditional national costume, royal dress styles and heritage craftsmanship in Paris on 10 October as the country seeks UNESCO recognition for its traditional dress knowledge and practices.

The Ministry of Culture organised the “CHUD THAI KNOWLEDGE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRACTICES OF THE THAI NATIONAL COSTUME” event at Le Meurice hotel on 10–11 October, highlighting the historical background, craftsmanship and royal court traditions behind Thai national dress.

Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presided over an academic discussion and knowledge-sharing session on the evolution of Thai national costumes and Thai textiles on 10 October.

The programme featured fashion presentations of all eight styles of Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom, the royal Thai national dress styles, alongside three styles of royal-initiated shirts. The garments were designed and tailored by Tirapan and Pa Couture fashion houses.

Traditional craftsmanship demonstrations included krung mai embroidery, an intricate technique associated with the historic Thai royal court, and pha yok brocade weaving, presented by National Artist Veeratham Trakulkernthai, who received the 2025 National Artist designation in the field of fine arts, specialising in refined art and design.

Five cultural craft demonstrations were also held, covering gold brocade textiles, gold-thread lace-making, traditional embroidery, the making of antique Thai jewellery and decorative floral garlands.

The activities presented Thai national dress as a living cultural heritage that continues to evolve through contemporary design and craftsmanship, rather than simply a historical artefact.

In 2024, the Thai Cabinet approved the submission of “Chud Thai: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” to UNESCO for consideration for inscription on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The nomination is scheduled to be considered at the 21st session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Xiamen, China, in December 2026.

The Paris event forms part of Thailand’s efforts to share its traditional dress heritage with an international audience, highlighting its cultural identity and the skills passed down through generations while promoting opportunities for its continued development.