Chud Thai: A Timeless Invitation to Dress the Nation in Heritage

In a graceful campaign to honour Thai cultural identity, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) extends a warm invitation to Thai people everywhere to celebrate and express their national identity through the wearing of Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom, or Thai National Costume. Under the theme Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage, this initiative calls on the Thai public to take part in a proud cultural movement that brings tradition into the present.

The initiative encourages all generations to reconnect with the elegance, symbolism, and significance of these eight official styles—reaffirming traditional dress as a living expression of Thai refinement, unity, and pride on the world stage.

These eight styles—Thai Ruean Ton, Thai Chitralada, Thai Amarin, Thai Boromphiman, Thai Chakri, Thai Dusit, Thai Siwalai, and Thai Chakkraphat—are expressions of identity, history, and artistry. Their origins trace back to 1960, when Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother undertook a historic state visit to the United States and Europe. The visit prompted the need for a wardrobe that would both honour Thai tradition and resonate with the international diplomatic stage.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother took it upon herself to study historical Thai court dress in depth. With the support of a dedicated team of advisors, Her Majesty created a collection that was not a mere revival of the past but a refined adaptation for contemporary state and ceremonial functions. Over the decade that followed, the designs were formalised as Phra Ratchaniyom (Royal Favour), and have since become recognised as the official Thai National Costume for women—each style connected to a historic palace or throne hall and imbued with deep cultural meaning.