BANGKOK, Thailand – The King Vajiravudh Memorial Foundation under Royal Patronage and the National Discovery Museum Institute have jointly organized the “One Hundred Years of Northern Architecture Database Development Project” to promote educational and cultural tourism. As part of this initiative, they launched “Lanna: A Century of Transition” alongside the exhibition “From Lilit Payap to a Modernised Lanna.”
Presented by the King Vajiravudh Memorial Foundation under Royal Patronage, the exhibition explores Lilit Phayap, a royal literary work by His Majesty King Vajiravudh, also known as Somdej Phra Maha Dhiraraj Chao. This work reflects the deep relationships among people, cities, and cultural heritage across the Lanna region, which continue to shape Thai society from the past to the present day.
Building on these activities, the panel discussion “Lanna Bhadharabhorn: The Traditional Attire of Lanna” highlighted the distinctive characteristics of Northern Thai textiles and clothing described in the literary work. The discussion presented various forms of traditional Lanna attire that have been preserved and passed down through generations. The panel also emphasized that Lanna textiles have enjoyed enduring popularity within the Siamese royal court, where many Royal Family members have chosen locally woven Northern fabrics for ceremonies and private events. The exhibition features an attire worn by Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda, crafted from Lamphun brocade silk, also known as Lamphun silk.
In a related interview, Sunpetch Snitwongse na Ayudhya, Assistant Secretary of the King Vajiravudh Memorial Foundation under Royal Patronage, stated that the panel focuses on traditional Northern attire and textiles from the 19th and 20th centuries. He also emphasized the important role of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in supporting Northern communities. By encouraging local artisans to produce traditional textiles and making them available through the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts Center, Her Majesty has greatly helped preserve and develop Thailand’s textile heritage. (NNT)
