Community Development Department Champions the Creative Potential of Young Designers with “Thai Dress, Wear It for Fun” Fashion Show under the Young Designer 2026 Project
Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary for Interior, presided over the opening ceremony of the “Thai Dress, Wear It for Fun” (ชุดไทยใส่ให้สนุก) fashion show, held as part of the Young Designer 2026 project. Attendees included Mrs. Jinnaratch Sampantharat, the President of the Association of Wives of Ministry of Interior Officials; Mr. Siam Sirimongkol, Director-General of the Department of Community Development; Mrs. Ornjira Sirimongkol, President of the Housewives’ Club of the Department of Community Development; executives from the Ministry of Interior and the Community Development Department; community development officers; and OTOP entrepreneurs in the textiles and apparel categories.
The project aims to develop OTOP textile and apparel producers and entrepreneurs into Thai textile designers, create new marketing opportunities, and raise awareness of Thai textiles and clothing among younger generations and the public. The event featured judging and a fashion show presenting the best designs and garments by 10 finalists—individuals and teams—from the national competition, who competed for the championship, runner-up and special awards.
The programme began with the opening ceremony and a policy address by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, followed by a presentation on the project’s background by the Director-General of the Department of Community Development. It continued with the “Thai Dress, Wear It for Fun” fashion show featuring designs by the young talents and national finalists, judging by the expert panel, and visits to an exhibition and displays of contemporary Thai textile products.
The Permanent Secretary and the Director-General praised the creativity and potential of the young people and emerging designers, who have adapted the cultural heritage and local wisdom of Thai textiles into contemporary garments suited to the lifestyles of younger generations. Guided by the vision of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya through the “Pha Thai Sai Hai Sanook” (ผ้าไทยใส่ให้สนุก) project, the initiative helps preserve and build on the nation’s textile heritage while creating careers and income, and strengthening the grassroots economy for long-term sustainability.
The remarkable designs presented on the Young Designer 2026 runway also demonstrated how the competition serves as a platform for developing designers’ potential. Throughout the competition, participants learned from the knowledge of weavers and textile-producing communities, connected their designs with cultural roots, and explored career opportunities in the creative industries. Each collection offered a fresh perspective on Thai textiles through its forms, silhouettes, tailoring techniques and choice of materials. Reflecting each designer’s distinct ideas and inspirations, the collections showed how Thai textiles can move with contemporary fashion in a way that is playful, vibrant and free from conventional limits.
The Young Designer 2026 championship was awarded to Mr. Piyabut Waleekiatkul for “NATURA DIVINA.” Inspired by Renaissance natural philosophy, the collection explores the relationship between humanity and nature through freely woven Thai silk, lock-stitching and embroidery that add dimension to the garments. He received THB 200,000, a certificate and a royal medal from Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. The medal will be presented at Silk Festival 2026, taking place from December 4–10, 2026, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
The first runner-up was Mr. Takorn Thavornchotivong, whose collection interprets the beauty of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha through Impressionism, translating the colors and architectural details onto fabric. The garments feature knitwear structures inspired by the temple’s architecture, angles and geometric forms. He received THB 100,000.
The second runner-up was Mr. Iyarin Runnum for “A DOG IN THE SIAMESE GARDEN.” The collection brings together inspiration from Sampheng market bags, Western sailor uniforms and Thai attire, exploring travel and cultural exchange. He received THB 75,000.
The competition also presented five honorable mention awards of THB 40,000 each and two judges’ special awards of THB 20,000 each. All award recipients will receive a certificate.
