Princess Sirivannavari presides over Legacy exhibition opening
The Bangkok exhibition presents work from 10 model communities, linking traditional Thai textile wisdom with contemporary design and fashion
- Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya viewed the “Legacy of Thai Textiles & Fashion” exhibition at ICONSIAM.
- The exhibition showcased traditional textile knowledge and craftsmanship from 10 communities, reinterpreted into contemporary designs.
- The event was organized to honor Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's work in preserving Thai textiles and to continue her legacy through the Princess's vision.
- The project aims to increase the value of community products, generate more income for local artisans, and promote Thai cultural soft power.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya viewed the “Legacy of Thai Textiles & Fashion” exhibition at Thara Hall on the M Floor of ICONSIAM on Thursday (August 13, 2026), where traditional textile knowledge from 10 communities was presented through contemporary design.
The exhibition, organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Government Public Relations Department (PRD), was held to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who laid the foundations for the preservation and development of Thai textiles, while carrying forward Her Majesty’s royal aspirations through Princess Sirivannavari’s vision.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife, Traisuree Taisaranakul, secretary-general to the prime minister; Supamas Isarabhakdi, minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office; Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon, permanent secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office; Sudruetai Lertkasem, director-general of the PRD; and Prof Dr Cholvit Jearajit, president of Srinakharinwirot University, were among those present to receive Her Royal Highness.
The exhibition was presented under the concept “Legacy: Creative Continuity & Creativity”, treating heritage not as something confined to the past but as knowledge that can be passed on, developed and given contemporary meaning while retaining its original roots and identity.
The programme formed part of continuing efforts to preserve the Queen Mother’s textile legacy while developing traditional craftsmanship for contemporary fashion.
Ten communities bring local craftsmanship to contemporary design
The project began with field studies examining knowledge, production methods, identity and development potential in 10 model communities across Thailand.
The participating groups are:
- Srivichai Textile Weaving Factory Group, Surat Thani
- Thor Montho Group, Udon Thani
- Kwanta Group, Nong Bua Lamphu
- ME-D NATHAP, Songkhla
- CHATTUWAN THAISILK, Roi Et
- Montrathikarn Auspicious Pattern Textile Weaving Group, Kalasin
- Thai Silk Village Co., Ltd., Chiang Mai
- Ou Mai Thai, Mae San Baan Tong Textile Weaving Group, Lamphun
- Impani Group, Ratchaburi
- Mai Thong Suranaree Group, Nakhon Ratchasima
The exhibition traces the development of Thai textiles from local knowledge and production processes to contemporary pieces.
Each retains distinctive community motifs, techniques and local identity rather than replacing traditional characteristics with modern design.
Designers and specialists discuss wider markets
The programme also includes discussions bringing together specialists, designers, entrepreneurs, academics and fashion experts to exchange views on preserving traditional knowledge and craftsmanship, adding value to Thai textiles and community products, and developing Thai fashion for contemporary consumers and international markets.
A special fashion show features work from the model communities, presented by models, performers and public figures including Opal–Suchata Chuangsri, Miss World 2025; Orm–Kornnaphat Sethratanapong; Lena–Lalina Schuett; Miu–Natsha Taechamongkalapiwat; and Bank–Sornram Aneklap.
Organisers said the show was intended to present Thai cultural soft power through contemporary fashion and encourage younger generations to see Thai textiles as suitable for a wide range of styles and occasions.
Project targets income and opportunities for communities
The project aims to increase the value of Thai textiles and community products so that farmers, craftspeople and local entrepreneurs can generate more income, improve their quality of life and benefit from additional employment within their communities.
It also seeks to expand access to domestic and international markets while preserving local knowledge and passing textile traditions to younger generations.
The wider objectives include strengthening pride in Thai identity, supporting the grassroots economy and using textile heritage to contribute to sustainable cultural tourism.
