Discover the haute couture legacy and eight royal silhouettes of Chud Thai at Ayutthaya’s new exhibition, launching fresh from Paris ahead of the historic 2026 UNESCO bid.

Paris raved about it – now it’s Ayutthaya’s turn.

Following the success of La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT) has teamed up with the government sector to bring that momentum home.

The new “Chud Thai Praratchaniyom” exhibition at the Bang Sai institute offers a closer look at the legacy of the dress. It’s a timely celebration of sartorial history, launching right as Thailand bids to immortalise the dress on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list for 2026.

The royal attire serves as a cultural touchstone for Thai textile wisdom and artistry, spanning eight variations: the Chakkraphat, Chakkri, Chitlada, Dusit, Boromphiman, Ruean Ton, Siwalai and Amarin. The knowledge behind these silhouettes is brought together in the current exhibition at the Hor Suphan – Phat gallery.

Beyond the initial aesthetic appeal, the garment is invariably connected to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and her drive to push Thai haute couture forward, marked by global collaborations with figures such as Pierre Balmain – a kind of fashion diplomacy that continues to inspire today.

Whether you are a student or simply curious about fashion history, SACIT welcomes you to explore. You can find the institute at 59 Moo 4, Chang Yai, Bang Sai, Ayutthaya, with doors open Monday to Friday between 8.30am – 4.30pm.