Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has described Thai silk as a “cultural ambassador” that helps promote Thai wisdom to the world at large, while citing 2026 as the “Golden Year of Thai Textiles.”

The Prime Minister on 6 June 2026 presided over the opening of the 15th "Celebration of Silk: Thai Silk Road to the World" at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall in Bangkok. Organized by the Ministry of Culture and public and private agencies, the event was intended to honor Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana on the occasion of Her Majesty’s fourth-cycle or 48th birthday anniversary, as well as paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who played a significant role in developing and promoting Thai silk. 

The grand opening featured an honorary fashion show in which members of the Cabinet, representatives from the Thai government, ambassadors and their spouses, and delegates from embassies and consulates, as well as international organizations in Thailand, wore exquisite Thai silk garments and traditional royal attire. All silk used in this event was sourced from the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT Foundation), established by the Queen Mother.

The event drew participation from 72 embassies and 18 honorary consulates, with ambassadors from 36 countries joining in the grand fashion show. Six cultural performances complemented the runway presentation, celebrating the richness and diversity of Thai heritage. Over 79 teams from educational institutions across the country also exhibited their work and took part in competitions, bringing together more than 1,000 fashion and textile students and lecturers.

This annual Thai silk fashion show also featured the award presentation ceremony for the 7th Next Big Silk Designer Contest 2026, recognizing young designers for their creativity and innovation in contemporary Thai silk fashion.

Prime Minister Anutin said that the renewed interest in wearing Thai textiles, especially among younger generations, was inspired by the royal initiative “Fun with Thai Fabrics” by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. He also praised the international success of Thai silk through the exhibition “La Mode en Majesté – Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity,” held in Paris under the patronage of the Princess. 

The Prime Minister noted that Thai silk is a symbol of Thailand’s cultural identity and valuable wisdom, reflecting fine craftsmanship and skills passed down through generations. It also serves as a medium to tell stories of local ways of life, beliefs, and culture and arts through unique patterns, colors, and weaving techniques from different regions of the country. 

Interested persons may attend a silk exhibition featuring over 250 silk garments designed by students from various institutions nationwide, at the NEXT Hall on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, from 9 to 14 June 2026.