NEWS

The Public Relations Department continues to drive Thailand’s Soft Power policy through the project titled “Creative Design, Production and Dissemination of Public Relations Media for Soft Power in the Fashion Sector”

The Public Relations Department is advancing Thailand’s Soft Power policy through the project titled “Creative Design, Production and Dissemination of Public Relations Media for Soft Power in the Fashion Sector” to promote and enhance public awareness of fashion-related Soft Power. The initiative aims to elevate Thai textiles and local wisdom into contemporary fashion, while in reverent remembrance of the royal benevolence and disseminating the royal aspirations of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in preserving and promoting Thai arts and crafts. 

The project also seeks to create greater recognition and accessibility for fashion products developed from Thai cultural wisdom, thereby generating added economic value and strengthening Thailand’s image on the international stage. An exhibition and academic seminar will be held from 1–3 June 2026 at Central Chiangmai, Chiang Mai Province. 

The event was honored by the presence of Ms. Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General of the Public Relations Department, who presided over the opening ceremony, together with Ms. Mueanjai Wongyai, Director of Regional Public Relations Office 3, who delivered the report on the objectives of the project in promoting the Thai textile and fashion industry as one of the country’s key Soft Power drivers through product development, contemporary design, and creative public relations communication for both domestic and international audiences. 

Key activities within the event include academic panel discussions led by distinguished experts in the fashion industry on topics such as “Royal Thai Costumes: From the Royal Court to Contemporary Fashion,” “Cultural Heritage as New Inspiration,” and “Thai Fashion and Soft Power: From Community Wisdom to the Global Market.”Featured speakers and industry experts include: Dr. Sarinda Jamornmarn Advisor to the “Pha Thai Sai Hai Sanuk” Project, Mr. Sirichai Daharanont, Founder of THEATRE, Mr. Bhubawit Kritpholnara, Founder of ISSUE, Ms. Janesuda Parnto Sirisant, Founder of JANESUDA, Ms. Soralak Tikkhapan, Founder of ARCHIVE026, Mr. Wisharawish Akarasantisook, Founder of WISHARAWISH 

The event will also feature a fashion showcase under the concept “THE WALK OF WOVEN IDENTITIES: A Runway of Interwoven Identities,” presenting the unique identity of Thai textiles through a contemporary perspective. The showcase will highlight fashion collections and products developed from ten model communities across Thailand. 

Special appearances will also be made by renowned actor and model Mr. Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat, who will participate in the runway presentation. 

The ten selected community enterprises participating in the project are as follows: 

1.Oom Thai Silk – Ban Mae Sar Ban Tong Weaving Group” or Au Thai Silk, Lamphun Province, distinguished for its traditional Lanna brocade silk and handwoven cotton textiles featuring intricate and dimensional patterns rooted in local wisdom. 

2.Thai Silk Village Co., Ltd.”, Chiang Mai Province, a fully integrated premium silk producer presenting the silk-making process from upstream to downstream, while also developing cultural learning activities and innovative textile products. 

3.“Mai ThongSuranaree Group”, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, specializing in handwoven Mudmee silk that blends traditional patterns with contemporary design, certified with the Royal Peacock Mark. 

4.Montho Group” or Thomonto Fabrics Community EnterpriseUdon Thani Province, recognized for contemporary Khit and Mudmee weaving using natural dyes and specialty fibers to create distinctive textile patterns. 

5.Khwanta Center for Learning and Design”, Nong Bua Lamphu Province, a textile learning and design center transforming local handicrafts into contemporary fashion products for national and international markets. 

6.“CHATTUWAN THAISILK”,Roi Et Province, reinterpreting traditional Mudmee techniques into Modern Ikat, inspired by the stories and heritage of the Thung Kula Ronghai region. 

7.Mongkol Montra Thikarn Textile Group” or Mongkol Montra Thikarn Silk Weaving GroupKalasin Province, a new-generation artisan group reviving Praewa silk and gold brocade traditions through auspicious contemporary patterns. 

8.Impani Group”, Ratchaburi Province, developing traditional Thai checkered fabrics into modern fashion and lifestyle products appealing to younger generations. 

9.Sriwichai Weaving Group”, Surat Thani Province, conveying the history of the Srivijaya Kingdom and Southern Thai culture through textile motifs and historically inspired color palettes. 

10.ME-D NATHAP”, Songkhla Province, creating batik textiles and natural dye products from local resources, reflecting a sustainable fashion philosophy that connects art, the environment, and communities. 

Each community possesses a unique identity and reflects diverse local wisdom traditions, ranging from Lanna brocade silk, Mudmee silk, Khit textiles, Praewa fabrics, contemporary Thai checkered fabrics, to batik and natural dye craftsmanship. Through enhanced knowledge in design and fashion development, these products are being transformed to meet modern market demands and create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. 

This project marks another significant milestone in promoting Thai textiles beyond traditional handicrafts, positioning them as a creative force capable of connecting Thailand’s economy, culture, and identity to the global stage through the power of Soft Power—creating income, generating careers, and fostering sustainable national pride among Thai people.