In celebration of Thailand’s Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother
A global fashion icon and preeminent cultural ambassador
From the moment Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother stepped onto the world stage in 1960, she had a profound impact on Thailand’s reputation across the globe. Recognising that cultural identity had a powerful voice, she quickly embraced becoming an international fashion icon, showcasing Thailand’s ambitions to the world through her style.
Following Her Majesty’s passing on October 24th 2025, Thailand entered a year of mourning. Across the country and around the world, people have been reflecting on her life and legacy.
One notable commemoration is ‘La Mode en Majesté – Royal Thai Dress From Tradition to Modernity’, an exhibition that explores her transformative power with fashion as an instrument of cultural diplomacy and national representation. Hosted by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) in Paris, and under the patronage of her granddaughter Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the showcase is a collaboration between MAD, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, and the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand.
Her Majesty embarked on a year-long tour of international state visits to the US and Europe.
The language of fashion
1960 marked a turning point for Thailand. In the wake of the second world war, the country was rapidly modernising, shifting from an agrarian economy to an industrial one. To forge relations between Thailand and the international community, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty embarked on a year-long tour of international State Visits to the US and Europe.
As the daughter of an ambassador with postings in Denmark, France and the UK, Her Majesty understood the importance of fashion as a means of expression in Western countries. Recognising that what she wore to these historic meetings held the power to forge an emotional connection with the host countries, Her Majesty knew that this tour would be an opportunity for diplomacy to convey Thailand’s heritage and ambitions to the world.
Her Majesty was thus determined to weave traditional elements of Thai craftsmanship into her outfits. Over a year before the tour, she commissioned experts and scholars to study the archives of attire worn by women of the royal court, wanting to honour heritage while embracing contemporary design. The result of the research, combined with Her Majesty’s input, was eight styles of national dress for women, known as Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom.
Reflecting an understanding of fashion nuances, each costume varied in formality to meet the needs of different occasions, from the collarless blouse and full-length wrap skirt of the Ruean Ton to the traditional shoulder cloth of the Chakri. Her Majesty also ensured that every costume was adapted to the culture and climate of each destination. Through close collaboration with French couturier Pierre Balmain, the extensive wardrobe for the 1960 world tour was designed to pay tribute to each country on the itinerary. The dresses were often paired with Western conventions such as hats and gloves; the careful consideration behind every ensemble signalled Her Majesty’s desire to bridge cultural divides, and to connect Thailand with the world, and the world with Thailand.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother with Her Majesty Queen Fabiola of Belgium attending a traditional Thai theatrical performance at Thammasat University, Bangkok, 5 February 1964.
Tradition as a catalyst for change
Her Majesty’s appearances became highly anticipated occasions, with each outfit speaking its own language. As she was celebrated as a fashion icon throughout the tour, Thailand’s national identity on the global stage strengthened, and Thai culture and textiles earned global attention and admiration—reflecting the extent to which her style became a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy.
Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother at Expo 67, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 22 June 1967.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother at a State Banquet hosted by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand Palace, Bangkok, 10 February 1972.
Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother receiving President and Mrs Suharto of Indonesia during the State Visit to Bangkok, Thailand, 19 March 1970.
By championing garments woven from Thai fabrics and stitched with traditional techniques, Her Majesty brought the country’s textile heritage to an international audience and helped establish Chud Thai as Thailand’s unique sartorial identity. Today, Chud Thai remains a symbol of national pride and a celebration of traditional craftsmanship. While each region and generation has adapted the designs in its own way since, the defining elements remain the same.
Working with some of the world’s leading fashion houses while championing Thai designers at home, Her Majesty elevated local craftsmanship to the same stage as international haute couture. Her 22-year collaboration with Pierre Balmain, as well as with other renowned couture houses, shone a spotlight on Thai textiles, highlighting their distinctive beauty and the cultural knowledge woven into every piece. At the same time, she supported homegrown designers, helping to nurture Thai creativity and raise the international profile of the country's fashion industry.
A powerful legacy woven into the nation
While raising global awareness of Thai textiles, Her Majesty also saw the empowerment potential of reviving and preserving traditional handicrafts such as silk weaving and basketry. In 1976, she established the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT Foundation) to equip women with the training, tools and materials needed to produce high-quality products. Today, it continues to support rural families with access to resources and equipment, enabling them to earn a sustainable living through their craft.
Her Majesty’s commitment to culture was matched by her devotion to humanitarian service. As president of the Thai Red Cross Society, she established the Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre, which provided shelter, food, medical care, education and vocational training to displaced persons fleeing conflict who sought refuge in Thailand’s Trat province. Both her cultural and humanitarian contributions have been internationally recognised with awards, including the UN’s Ceres Gold Medal, UNESCO’s Borobudur Gold Medal and a UNICEF Special Recognition Award.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) presenting Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother with the Ceres Gold Medal, Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand Palace, Bangkok, 11 May 1979.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians, presented by the College’s President, Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand Palace, Bangkok, 1 May 1988.
Her Majesty’s style was a reflection of the values she embodied: a steadfast champion of Thai culture and its people, with an unwavering dedication to invite the world to discover Thailand. As a testament to Her Majesty’s enduring legacy, her final farewell was marked by the highest honours. The Royal Cremation Ceremony is scheduled to take place in December 2026 following a year of mourning, deepening a period of national remembrance for The Queen Mother whose influence on Thailand’s cultural identity will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom
Through these eight distinctive styles, Her Majesty showcased the richness of Thai textiles while helping preserve centuries-old weaving traditions and the communities that sustain them.
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Thai Chakri
Formal dress, featuring a front-pleated pha sin with a sabai draped over one shoulder.
Thai Dusit
A modern evening style, combining a sleeveless silk dress with traditional Thai textiles.
Thai Ruean Ton
The most casual style, with a simple silk blouse and patterned pha sin for informal occasions.
Thai Siwalai
A ceremonial style, combining a long-sleeved silk dress with a matching sapak.
Thai Amarin
Semi-formal, with a draped sabai over a silk skirt.
Thai Boromphiman
Evening wear, with a fitted silk top and skirt for formal dinners.
Thai Chakraphat
The most ceremonial style, reserved for state occasions, with elaborate yok-weave embroidery.
Thai Chitralada
Formal daytime dress, with a high-collared silk blouse and long pha sin.
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