Royal Thai dress
from tradition to modernity
Musée des Arts Décoratifs,
Paris, French Republic
13 May - 1 November 2026
170th Anniversary
of Thai-French
official diplomatic ties
This exhibition is organized to celebrate the 170th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the French Republic, held at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. The exhibition presents the story of bilateral relations, the history of Thai dresses, and the royal contributions of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in the realm of fashion.
A Path of Friendship
Thai-French Relations from the Ayutthaya Period to the Present
In 1685, French Ambassador Chevalier de Chaumont was granted an audience with King Narai the Great and presented a royal letter at the Sanphet Mahaprasat Throne Hall. Subsequently, in 1686, the royal mission was received in audience by King Louis XIV of France.
His Majesty King Mongkut (Rama IV) appointed a royal mission to present a royal letter and auspicious royal tributes to Emperor Napoleon III of France at the Château de Fontainebleau on 27 June 1861.
His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) paid an official visit to Europe, including the French Republic, about July 1897.
On 14 July 1918, Thai troops participated in the Victory Parade celebrating the Allied victory in Paris, France.
His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), prior to his accession to the throne, pursued his studies at The French Army War College and the School of Advanced Training (École Supérieure de Guerre et de l'École de Perfectionnement).
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother made an official State Visit to France. They were received by General Charles de Gaulle, the President of France at that time.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother made a State Visit to the French Republic, presiding over the opening of the Special Handicraft Exhibition at the Eiffel Tower and carrying out royal duties during 13–27 April 1997.
Mr. Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic, and his wife made an official State Visit to Thailand during 17–19 February 2006.
Following her studies and internship in France, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presented her fashion designs at Paris Fashion Week.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presided over a reception dinner marking the 333rd Anniversary of the Siamese Royal Mission to France, held at the French National Archives, Paris.
His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, received Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, on 18 November 2022.
Thailand submitted a nomination to UNESCO for the inscription of "Thai Dress: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the National Thai Costume" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Following Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's design of 8 Royal Thai Costume styles as the official national dress of the Thai people. Fashion designs inspired by Thailand's national costume, created by Thai designers.
7 Main Exhibition Zones
A journey exploring the history of Thai fashion and French relations
8 Royal Thai Costume Designs
The 8 Royal Thai costumes you will encounter at the “Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity " exhibition represent a treasured cultural heritage, reflecting the beauty and unique identity of Thai culture. They originated from the royal initiative of the Late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who sought to establish appropriate forms of dress for Thai women for various occasions and to promote them on the international stage. Each design differs in style and level of formality, reflecting the refinement of Thai artistry and the enduring value of cultural preservation for generations to come.
A casual everyday dress featuring a wrap skirt falling to the ankle, a round-neck blouse with three-quarter length sleeves.
Worn for daytime ceremonies, featuring a stand-up collar blouse with long sleeves to the wrist, crafted from raised-pattern silk (pha yok dok).
Worn for evening royal ceremonies, made from gold-interwoven silk or fully gold-brocaded fabric.
A one-piece ensemble with the blouse and skirt joined together, featuring pleated fabric at the front and a traditional Thai belt.
An off-one-shoulder design with a ready-made sabai (shoulder sash), tailored from gold-interwoven silk.
Designed for full ceremonial occasions, featuring a wide round neckline, sleeveless cut, and elaborate embroidery in silver and gold thread.
Similar in style to the Thai Baromphiman, with an additional decorative panel (sapak) layered over the blouse.
The most formal of all evening ceremonial costumes, featuring a double-layered upper garment with a pleated sabai and decorative panel (sapak).
