Thai Royal Dress Shines at Paris Exhibition

A Royal Thai dress exhibition, under the patronage of Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, has commenced at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Featuring over 200 items, the event highlights royal garments, Thai textiles, and contemporary designs, running from May 13, 2023, to November 1, 2026. This exhibition celebrates 340 years of Thai-French diplomatic relations and 170 years since formal ties were established in 1856.

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The event is a collaborative effort among the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Among the showcased items are royal garments, accessories, traditional craftwork, and contemporary pieces by Thai designers. Unique creations by French designer Pierre Balmain, in partnership with Lesage, also feature prominently.

Highlighting the evolution of royal Thai dress, the exhibition reflects clothing as a form of cultural representation on the global stage. It showcases garments worn by notable figures like Queen Sirikit and Princess Sirivannavari, and the eight styles of chud Thai phra rajaniyom, expressing Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

Khaosod reports that this exhibition supports Thailand's initiative to propose chud Thai phra rajaniyom for UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2026. Additionally, Thailand’s Ministry of Culture has formally proposed the chud Thai for UNESCO consideration, with a review expected in 2026.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 13 May 2026