#chudthai

The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (QSMT) serves as a vital institution for showcasing Thai textiles and invaluable royal attire. It was founded to perpetuate the royal commitment of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother to conserve and globally promote the fabric arts of Thailand.

The Origin and Royal Inspiration of Thai Textiles

The museum was established from the profound vision of Her Majesty The Queen Mother, who deeply recognized the artistic and cultural significance of Thai textiles as a unique national craft.

A transformative period occurred during the royal tours to the United States and Europe, accompanying His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Phra Bat Somdet Phra Borommachonak Thibet Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej Maharaj Borommanat Bophit) in 1960. Her Majesty’s choice to wear exquisitely tailored Thai national costumes created from various Thai fabrics brought global admiration and recognition to the textiles, consequently leading to the sustainable revival of the Thai weaving industry.

Driven by a royal resolve to conserve these textiles and educate the public, Her Majesty commanded the restoration of the Ratsadakorn Phiphat Hall—an architecturally beautiful, historic building within the Grand Palace—to serve as the museum’s permanent home. It officially commenced operations on May 9, 2012, securing its place as an essential resource and a cultural treasure of the nation.

✨ The Eight Styles of Thai National Costume: A Timeless Emblem of Elegance

The Eight Styles of Thai National Costume (Chut Thai Phra Ratchaniyom) stand as the most captivating and widely discussed exhibits. These ensembles were meticulously designed to be suitable for various occasions at an international level, and they represent the enduring symbol of grace and elegance for Thai women.

1. Thai Ruean Ton

Named after the Ruean Ton Royal Residence in Dusit Palace, this is the most informal of the eight styles, typically reserved for casual functions, non-official events, or temple visits. It is a two-piece ensemble consisting of an ankle-length wrap-around Sinh (sarong) made of cotton or silk, which may feature horizontal or vertical stripes. The separate collarless blouse has a shallow round neck, three-quarter sleeves, and five front buttons. This style is characterised by its simplicity and the use of minimal ornamentation.

2. Thai Chitralada

Named after the Chitralada Royal Villa, this is designated as formal daytime attire suitable for official receptions, welcoming official guests, and ceremonies that do not require full ceremonial dress. It is a two-piece ensemble crafted from Thai silk or silk brocade. The outfit features a long-sleeved blouse with a short standing collar (mandarin collar) and five front buttons, worn with a plain or subtly patterned, ankle-length wrap-around Sinh. Appropriate accessories may be worn as required by the occasion.

3. Thai Amarin

Named after the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, this style is used for formal evening ceremonies, grand ceremonies, evening banquets, and occasions calling for half-dress. It features a long-sleeved, round-necked blouse worn without a belt, paired with a long, ankle-length wrap-around Sinh made of gold-brocaded silk (Pha Yok Thong) or silk with gold threads. The beauty and formality of the Thai Amarin lie in the richness of the textile and the wearing of royal decorations and suitable high-value accessories.

4. Thai Boromphiman

Named after the Boromphiman Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, this style serves as formal evening attire for high-level state and royal evening functions. It is a one-piece full-dress gown where the long-sleeved, high-collared blouse and the pleated Sinh are sewn together to create a seamless silhouette. It is typically crafted from gold-brocaded silk (Pha Yok Thong) or silk with gold threads. The Sinh is traditionally pleated at the front and secured with a formal Thai belt.

5. Thai Chakri

Named after the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, the Thai Chakri is a highly recognisable style used for formal evening ceremonies, state banquets, and weddings. This two-piece ensemble features a long, pleated Sinh made of gold-brocaded silk (Pha Yok Thong) and a Sabai (shawl) draped over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare. The Sabai, which may be embroidered or plain, is typically sewn onto the inner bodice or garment.

6. Thai Dusit

Named after the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, this style is designated as full-dress evening ceremonial attire and is the equivalent of a Western-style formal evening gown. It is characterised by its sleeveless, wide-necked blouse which opens at the back and is elaborately decorated with silver or gold metallic threads (Dinh) or sewn-on beads and sequins. It is worn with a long, pleated Sinh made of silk brocade or gold brocade, secured with a formal belt.

7. Thai Siwalai

Named after the Siwalai Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, the Thai Siwalai is prescribed for highly formal day and evening ceremonies. This style is essentially the same as the Thai Boromphiman (a one-piece garment or two-piece with the blouse tucked in), but with the additional feature of a Sabai (shoulder cloth/shawl) draped over the left shoulder, signifying a heightened level of formal elegance.

8. Thai Chakraphat

Named after the Chakraphat Phiman Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, this is considered the most formal and elaborate full-dress evening attire, suitable for state banquets and grand official dinners. It is the only style that uses two layered Sabais (shawls) over the bodice; the inner layer is often plain or pleated, and the outer layer is highly ornate with full, detailed embroidery. The lower garment is a long, pleated Sinh made of gold-brocaded silk (Pha Yok Thong), completed with a belt and full sets of matching accessories.

A Royal Invitation to Admire the Beauty of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Royal Attires and Learn About Her Royal Initiatives in Arts and Culture, the Preservation of Thai Handcrafts, and the Development of People’s Occupations through Two Exhibitions at The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles: 'Thai Costume: From Court to National Prominence' and 'Sirikit’s Royal Attires: The Queen’s Wardrobe.

📍 Museum Location and Operating Hours

Location: Ratsadakorn Phiphat Hall, within the Grand Palace Complex.

Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang Sub-district, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 09:00 AM – 04:30 PM.