The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles has unveiled a new exhibition titled “Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage”, celebrating Thailand’s royal costumes and cultural legacy inspired by the initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Officially inaugurated on August 15 at the Grand Palace, the exhibition coincides with Thailand’s nomination of Chut Thai Phra Ratchaniyom (พระราชนิยม) (Thai Royal Traditional Dress) for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with a decision expected in 2026. The showcase highlights the Queen Mother’s dedication to preserving and modernizing traditional Thai attire, which first gained international attention when she wore Chut Thai during her 1960 diplomatic tour to the United States and Europe.
The exhibition presents all eight official styles of Thai royal dress displayed with detailed descriptions of their artistry, fabric techniques, and historical context. Visitors can also view royal portraits of the Queen Mother wearing these elegant ensembles, which earned her a place in the International Best-Dressed List Hall of Fame during the early 1960s. Complementing the displays are immersive digital presentations, tracing the evolution of Thai women’s clothing and showcasing innovations.
The exhibition concludes with a reflection on the Queen Mother’s enduring influence in elevating Thai attire to a global symbol of elegance and identity. In tribute to Her Majesty, following her passing on October 24, the museum is offering free admission for 30 days—from October 27 to November 25—to allow visitors to pay their respects at her royal portrait in the Sala Sahathai Samakhom (ศาลาสหทัยสมาคม) Pavilion. Entry is open to Thai nationals and accompanying family members of foreign visitors, with appropriate dress codes observed. Updates on visiting arrangements are available via the museum’s official Facebook page: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
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