BANGKOK, Thailand – Cabinet members, Thai officials, and diplomats from more than 88 countries gathered on June 21 at the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium for the opening of the “14th Celebration of Silk: Thai Silk Road to the World.” Presided over by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the event featured a Thai silk fashion show and cultural performances, showcasing contemporary designs by emerging talents from across Thailand. The program aims to raise the global profile of Thai silk and support its cultural and economic relevance.
Organized in honor of Her Majesty the Queen’s 47th birthday anniversary, the event drew participants from government, diplomatic missions, academic institutions, and the private sector. The opening ceremony began with a tribute to the Queen, followed by a fashion show in which ambassadors, Cabinet members, and their spouses modeled Thai silk creations. The show was divided into six themed segments presenting Thai silk through interpretations of history, craftsmanship, and modern Thai identity.
Emerging student designers from across the country presented their work, offering updated perspectives on traditional silk patterns. Awards were presented for outstanding silk design, creative video content promoting Thai silk on social media, and the winners of “The Next Big Silk Designer Contest.” The event also included booths featuring silk products and displays from cultural tourism communities.
The public exhibition will continue from June 25 to 29 at CentralWorld’s Eden Zone in Bangkok, where over 197 student-designed silk outfits will be on display. The showcase offers visitors the opportunity to engage with the next generation’s efforts to reimagine Thai silk in innovative and creative ways.
The event is a collaboration among the Ministry of Culture, the Association of Thai Silk and Culture Promotions, the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the National Research Council of Thailand, the Public Relations Department, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The collective effort supports wider recognition of Thai silk as both a national treasure and a driving force in the creative industry. (NNT)
