Members of the public are invited to attend the pop-up showcase free of charge from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on 11-13 August 2026 at Thara Hall and Charoen Nakhon Hall on the M Floor of ICONSIAM in Bangkok.

The event aims to convey the value of Thai textiles, Thai traditional dress, or Chud Thai, and weaving craftsmanship through modern, practical designs that align with today's global fashion context.

Chud Thai and Thai fabrics are more than just heritage items to preserve; they represent a body of knowledge for continuous development and further growth. Through cooperation among weavers, artisans, designers, communities, and the new generation, this cultural capital can be transformed into contemporary, practical creations.

The pop-up showcase features a curated selection of over 100 fashion and creative items from 10 model communities in 10 provinces, namely Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Songkhla, Roi Et, Kalasin, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Ratchaburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

These items reflect how the cultural capital of each locality is combined with fashion expertise and contemporary design to create dresses for various occasions, ranging from formal attire to everyday wear, while preserving traditional weaving techniques and unique regional identities.

This event is also meant to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who played a vital role in preserving and sustaining Thai textiles. It also recognizes the vision and outstanding contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya to the development, enhancement, and value creation of textiles and fashion design rooted in local wisdom and cultural heritage.

Referring to concerns by an opposition party over the Government’s welcoming President of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing during his recent official visit to Bangkok, the Government Spokesperson defended the diplomatic move. She said that fostering good neighborliness is a key mechanism for strengthening stability, safeguarding security, and elevating the quality of life for the Thai people.

Responsible politics, she said, should allow people to see all aspects of the facts regarding the country's problems, benefits, and opportunities. Many problems involve transboundary issues that require Thailand to cooperate with its neighbors, as they cannot be resolved alone.

These issues include, for example, drug suppression and control, transnational crime, particularly scam operations, and transboundary pollution, such as forest fires and PM 2.5 particles. 

The Government Spokesperson said that Thai-Myanmar energy cooperation has played a vital role in strengthening energy security and managing production costs for the country. Minister of Energy Akanat Promphan, together with representatives of relevant agencies, recently met with Mr. Ko Ko Lwin, Minister of Electricity and Energy of Myanmar, to discuss natural gas exploration and production, gas trading, and electricity grid interconnection.

Myanmar has been one of Thailand’s key sources of natural gas for almost 40 years. Gas from the Yadana and Zawtika fields once accounted for 15–20% of Thailand’s total natural gas demand. These supplies have been crucial for electricity generation, industry, and economic activity, making continuous cooperation between the two countries essential.

She said that having sufficient, continuous, and diversified energy sources enables Thailand to better manage energy risks and costs. Ultimately, this directly impacts electricity prices, production costs, and Thailand’s economic competitiveness, while also contributing to ASEAN’s long-term energy security.

The Government also plans to expand Ranong Port’s capacity for containerized cargo, laying the groundwork for stronger regional transport and trade connectivity. This development will be carried out in phases, taking into account cargo volumes, market demand, and investment viability, so that it will further economic growth.

The Prime Minister explained that improved connectivity could strengthen Ranong’s role as a regional trade gateway. Goods arriving from Europe could enter through Ranong and be distributed across Thailand and onward to China, while Thai exports could use the route to reach India, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Prime Minister said that future expansion of transport capacity would depend on economic opportunities and local needs, considering public feedback and national interests.  

He said that Ranong’s existing infrastructure adequately met current transport demands. However, the Government plans to expand it to accommodate future economic and trade growth.

The school shooting took place on 7 August at about 10.00 hr. Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised said that, according to the Bureau of the Royal Household, His Majesty the King granted royal bathing water for the funeral rites and ordered the laying of wreaths from Their Majesties the King and Queen before the caskets of the deceased. 

His Majesty also provided financial aid for the funeral arrangements and graciously granted royal cremations as a special case for the deceased who were relatives of the perpetrator.

Ms. Sabeeda described the royal patronage for the victims, their families, and relatives as an instance of immeasurable royal grace that provided crucial moral support during this time of profound loss.

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, she expressed her deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased, as well as to those injured and affected by this incident, encouraging them to overcome this period of grief with strength. 

Previously, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul expressed deep sorrow to the families of the deceased and instructed government agencies to swiftly assist the injured and affected families. He also visited the school to inspect the situation.

The Royal Barge Procession will be organized on 6 November 2026 for a royal journey to present kathin robes to Buddhist monks at Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn). It has become a tradition to present monks with kathin robes in a merit-making ceremony upon the ending of the Buddhist Lent.

The Royal Thai Navy is scheduled to conduct 12 rehearsals for the Royal Barge Procession, comprising 10 minor rehearsals and two full-dress rehearsals, from August to October. 

The 10 minor rehearsals will be held on 17, 20, and 27 August, 3, 8, 17, and 23 September, and 2, 8, and 15 October. The two full-dress rehearsals will be on 21 and 28 October. Members of the public can view the rehearsals on both banks of the Chao Phraya River, from Krung Thon Bridge to Wat Arun.

The procession spans about 1,200 meters in length and 90 meters in width. It will be arranged into five lines with three rows, comprising 52 barges, manned by 2,200 crew members. Among the barges were four principal royal barges: the Suphannahong, or Golden Swan; the Anantanakkharat, or Multi-headed Naga; the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX; and the Anekkachatphutchong, or Innumerable Naga Figures. 

In preparation for the spectacular Royal Barge Procession, the Royal Thai Navy launched these four royal barges between 5 and 8 August, when it docked them at Thonburi Naval Dockyard's Dock No. 1, Naval Dockyard Department.

Both leaders also delivered addresses at this forum, organized by the Thai-Myanmar Association for Friendship to strengthen networking and cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.

Prime Minister Anutin stated that currently bilateral trade between Thailand and Myanmar was valued at US$7.4 billion and that both sides would work more closely to achieve the bilateral trade target of USD 12 billion. Thailand will host the next Joint Trade Commission Meeting between the two countries to be held within 2026, with addressing regulatory barriers and issues to improve the trade flow between them.

He pointed out that the private sectors of both nations served as important mechanisms to connect Thai and Myanmar economies through investment, employment, and the providing of greater opportunities for the people.

Prime Minister Anutin and the President of Myanmar encouraged closer engagement among private sector organizations, including the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Thai–Myanmar Business Council, and the Thai Business Association of Myanmar, as well as direct cooperation between provincial chambers of commerce in the border areas.

Both sides also welcomed the reopening of the border checkpoint at the Second Thailand–Myanmar Friendship Bridge (Myawaddy-Mae Sot), which plays a vital role in bilateral border trade. They are also ready to facilitate and expedite cross-border trade through this border checkpoint, and agreed to consider reopening additional border trade posts and checkpoints.

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on 6 August 2026 held a plenary meeting with President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing at Government House, as part of the official visit of the President of Myanmar to Thailand on 6-7 August.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in all areas, such as security, economy, trade, investment, energy, development work, and shared transboundary challenges. Thailand also reiterated its readiness to continue to partner with Myanmar for Myanmar’s development through cooperation in agriculture, public health, education, human resource development, SME development, and environmental management.

Joining the plenary meeting on the Thai side were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Adul Boonthumjaroen, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Energy Akanat Promphan, Minister of Labor Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Justice Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, Deputy Minister of Transport Phattrapong Phattraprasit, and Deputy Minister of Interior Jeseth Thaiseth.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Anutin and President U Min Aung Hlaing witnessed the exchange of the following three cooperation documents:

1. Memorandum of Understanding on Labor Cooperation and the Agreement on Employment of Workers between the two countries;

2. Terms of Reference for the Joint Working Group on Water Quality Management in Boundary and Transboundary Rivers between the two countries;

3. Memorandum of Understanding between Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand and Myanmar Space Agency (MSA).

1. His Excellency U Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, paid an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 6 to 7 August 2026 at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. During the visit, the two leaders held warm and cordial bilateral discussion.

2. The two leaders underscored with great satisfaction the longstanding ties of friendship, cooperation, and good neighbourliness between Thailand and Myanmar, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, for the shared prosperity and advancement of the two countries and the region.

3. The two leaders stressed the importance of further strengthening and deepening bilateral cooperation in the following key areas:

        3.1 Political and Security Cooperation

               3.1.1 Both sides agreed to further deepen dialogue at all levels and exchanges of high-level visits to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all dimensions, including the convening of the Joint Commission (JC) at an early date. They welcomed and supported the strengthening of cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, particularly through Political Consultations, capacity-building programme for Myanmar’s newly recruited and mid-level diplomats, and an exchange programme for diplomats of the two countries as well as closer cooperation between the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) of Thailand and the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy (MDA).

               3.1.2 Both sides welcomed the robust and longstanding partnership in defence and security cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar, and noted with satisfaction the continued progress achieved through relevant bilateral mechanisms, including the 38th Regional Border Committee (RBC) Meeting held in Kyaing Tong from 29 June to 1 July 2026. They looked forward to the 9th High-Level Committee (HLC), to be held in Bangkok from 19 to 21 August 2026.

               3.1.3 Both sides welcomed the upcoming Security Dialogue between the Secretary-General of the National Security Council of Thailand and the National Security Advisor of Myanmar to strengthen security cooperation at strategic level.

               3.1.4 Both sides expressed their joint commitment to achieve a peaceful and stable Thailand–Myanmar border, which will ensure safety, security and better livelihoods of the people on both sides.

               3.1.5 Both sides agreed to step up joint efforts to combat transnational crimes, particularly online scams and narcotic drugs. They agreed to enhance coordination among relevant agencies to crack down on scam centres along the Thailand–Myanmar border through information sharing and joint efforts to disrupt the financial flows of transnational criminal networks. They agreed to build on existing cooperation between the anti-money laundering authorities of both countries, particularly through capacity-building programmes. The Thai side further expressed its support for Myanmar’s membership in the Egmont Group to facilitate financial intelligence sharing. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on prevention and suppression of narcotic drugs and related precursor chemicals.

               3.1.6 The two leaders encouraged closer cooperation between the National Assembly of Thailand and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw of Myanmar.

        3.2 Economic Cooperation

               3.2.1 With a view to achieving the bilateral trade target of USD 12 billion, both sides agreed to closely cooperate with each other to promoting and facilitating bilateral trade. The two leaders welcomed the 8th Joint Trade Commission Meeting between the two countries scheduled to be held in Thailand within 2026, with addressing regulatory barriers and issues to improve the trade flow between the two countries. The leaders also agreed to encourage their relevant authorities to explore ways to further facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and investment.

               3.2.2 Both leaders welcomed the reopening of the border checkpoint at the Second Thailand–Myanmar Friendship Bridge (Myawaddy-Mae Sot), which plays a vital role in bilateral border trade. Both sides discussed ways to facilitate and expedite cross-border trade through the said border checkpoint, which will boost trade and connectivity between the two countries. Both sides also agreed to consider reopening of additional border trade posts / checkpoints, subject to mutual agreement and prevailing security situation on the ground in order to further promote border trade and connectivity between the two countries.

               3.2.3 Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening connectivity through enhanced transport and infrastructure linkages. They underscored the importance of establishing a Joint Working Group on Enhancing Connectivity between the two countries to coordinate overall multi-modal connectivity plan covering road, maritime, port and cross-border linkages, and to facilitate greater coordination and, where appropriate, alignment of relevant policies, procedures and regulations, in accordance with the respective national laws of both countries. Areas for future discussion may include mutually beneficial maritime connectivity between Ranong Port and appropriate ports in Myanmar; the promotion of commercially viable coastal shipping services; improvement of the Ban Phu Nam Rom-Htee Khee–Dawei transport corridor; advancement of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, facilitation of cross-border transport and the exploration of suitable Special Economic Zones and logistics facilities along the border, subject to mutual agreement, relevant feasibility studies, and the respective national laws and procedures of both countries. These efforts are expected to enhance trade, logistics efficiency, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen connectivity between the two countries and the broader region. Both leaders also welcomed the contribution of Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) to infrastructure development in Myanmar.

               3.2.4 Both sides recognised energy security as a strategic priority and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in the development of natural gas resources, in order to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply and promote the sustainable economic development. Both sides agreed to support the continuity of existing projects and facilitate ongoing processes related to future projects to enhance the energy security and mutual interest of both countries.

               3.2.5 Both sides welcomed the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Cooperation and the Agreement on Employment of Workers between the two countries.

               3.2.6 Both leaders welcomed the convening of the Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum in Bangkok on 6 August 2026 to strengthen networking and cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. They encouraged closer engagement among private sector organisations, including the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), the Thai–Myanmar Business Council (TMBC), the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM) as well as direct cooperation between provincial chambers of commerce in the border areas.

        3.3 Cooperation on Environmental Issues

               3.3.1 Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in addressing transboundary environmental challenges, including haze pollution, open burning, and water pollution.

               3.3.2 Both sides welcomed the ongoing cooperation in forest fire prevention, including through the development of forest fire monitoring systems and training programme. They further underscored the importance of close coordination, continuous information sharing, and capacity building, including under the CLEAR Sky Strategy and through bilateral cooperation, in promoting effectiveness and sustainable solutions.

               3.3.3 The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Terms of Reference for the Joint Working Group on Water Quality Management in Boundary and Transboundary Rivers between the two countries. They tasked the relevant agencies to closely cooperate in the area of water quality management and to hold the meeting of the Joint Working Group at an early and mutually convenient time.

        3.4 Socio-Cultural Cooperation

               3.4.1 The two leaders underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges as a cornerstone of the longstanding friendship between Thailand and Myanmar. The two sides welcomed the continued implementation of the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation and agreed to further strengthen cooperation between their respective tourism authorities through the exchange of information and best practice exchanges, capacity-building, tourism promotion, tourist safety, and sustainable tourism development.

               3.4.2 Both sides looked forward to the adoption of the 3-Year Development Cooperation Programme (2026-2028) between Thailand and Myanmar at the 17th Thailand-Myanmar Technical Cooperation Meeting. The 3-Year Development Cooperation Programme reflects the shared commitment to strengthening capacity-building, human resource development, and sustainable socio-economic development for the mutual benefit of the two countries, particularly in the areas of health, education, MSME development, agriculture and the environment.

               3.4.3 The leaders also welcomed Thai Airways’ launch of an additional Bangkok–Yangon flight in the fourth quarter of 2026, which is expected to contribute to enhanced connectivity and promote tourism and business exchanges between the two countries.

               3.4.4 Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand and Myanmar Space Agency (MSA) to enhance partnership on Earth Observation technology and its applications, particularly in the fields of disaster, agriculture and environmental management.

4. Cooperation at the Regional Level

        4.1 Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and mutual support across regional platforms, including ASEAN, BIMSTEC, the ACMECS and Mekong mechanisms with a view to promoting regional peace, stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.

        4.2 Thailand reiterated its unwavering support to Myanmar for its ACMECS Chairmanship and looked forward to successful convening of the upcoming 11th ACMECS Summit.

        4.3 Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and continuing to work closely with Myanmar for Myanmar’s full and equal participation in ASEAN mechanisms and processes in accordance with the ASEAN Charter, principles and procedures. Myanmar expressed its appreciation for Thailand’s constructive role in facilitating the normalisation of its relations with ASEAN.

5. Other Matter: Thailand welcomed Myanmar’s continued commitment in advancing the peace talks with the goal of achieving lasting peace through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led process. Thailand’s support in this regard, in close consultation with Myanmar, was welcomed.

6. The official visit of President U Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and close partnership between Thailand and Myanmar and the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Both sides agreed to continue close engagement at all levels.

7. The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar expressed his sincere appreciation to the Royal Thai Government for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, and extended a cordial invitation to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand to visit Myanmar at a mutually convenient time.

The visit will be President Min Aung Hlaing’s first official visit to Thailand since assuming office as President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with the President. The two leaders will discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries, as well as cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

The President is also scheduled to meet the Acting President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate of Thailand. In addition, he will preside over the opening ceremony of the Thailand - Myanmar Business Forum 2026, which will be held as part of the official visit.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 3 August issued a press statement regarding recent reports of the meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Myanmar.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomes the reports, which include photos, of the recent meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Head of ICRC in Myanmar, especially following the informal meeting between the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the Myanmar Foreign Minister in Bangkok on 12 July 2026 and in light of the upcoming visit of the President of Myanmar to Thailand. 

The statement said, “We hope that the Government of Myanmar will undertake further positive steps towards lasting peace and stability in Myanmar.”

The case has attracted widespread attention in Thailand and abroad. The Government has therefore stepped up public communication to ensure that accurate and timely information reaches both domestic and international audiences.

Ms. Supamas said that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had personally visited the crime scene to express his condolences to the victims’ families and apologize to Russian tourists and the Russian people. He emphasized that the incident was an isolated criminal act, not a reflection of Thailand’s overall safety, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served.

Following the Prime Minister’s directives, Ms. Supamas instructed PRD and MCOT to disseminate verified information through major government media channels, including the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), Radio Thailand, MCOT Channel 9 HD, Thai News Agency, and PRD’s foreign-language services. These agencies have been tasked with informing the public that the suspects were arrested within a few days of the incident, that legal proceedings are underway, and that the Government continues to provide timely updates through official channels.

She also instructed state media to report developments in accordance with professional journalistic ethics by avoiding graphic images or content that could undermine the dignity of the victims and their families. In addition, she directed the Sure and Share Center of Thai News Agency to intensify efforts to verify and counter false or misleading information related to the case circulating online, ensuring that the public receives accurate and reliable information.

Ms. Supamas said that the Government is committed to ensuring that factual information reaches both domestic and international audiences while preventing misinformation from causing further distress to the victims’ families. 

She urged the public to rely on official sources for updates and encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious or unverified information related to the case to submit it to the Sure and Share Center of Thai News Agency for verification.