Ambassadors from 36 countries will join Thai silk fashion shows in Bangkok as the nation steps up efforts to promote its creative industries and cultural heritage globally.
The Ministry of Culture on Friday launched the "15th Celebration of Silk, Thai Silk Road to the World 2026" and "The 7th Next Big Silk Designer Contest 2026", highlighting Thai silk as both a cultural treasure and an economic asset capable of boosting tourism, fashion and local livelihoods.
The press conference, held at the National Gallery in Bangkok, was chaired by Culture Ministry permanent secretary Prasop Riangngoen and attended by diplomats, cultural organisations, educational institutions and representatives from the public and private sectors.
Mr Prasop said the government viewed Thai silk as one of the country's most valuable cultural heritages, reflecting Thai craftsmanship, local wisdom and traditional ways of life passed down through generations.
"The Ministry of Culture places importance on promoting Thailand's cultural capital to strengthen the country's creative industries on the international stage," he said.
He added that the initiative also supported silk farming and weaving communities by creating jobs and generating income, in line with the royal initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
He said the ministry, in collaboration with the Association of Thai Silk and Culture Promotions, has continuously organised the "Thai Silk Road to the World" Celebration to honour Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana on the occasion of Her Majesty's 48th birthday anniversary, while also promoting Thai silk as an internationally recognised cultural heritage and creative asset.
This year's event will welcome participation from 72 embassies and 18 honorary consulates, with ambassadors representing 36 countries set to participate in a diplomatic fashion showcase featuring Thai silk creations, he said.
The programme will also include ambassadors and spouses from the Chinese embassy.
More than 1,000 lecturers and students from fashion and textile programmes nationwide are participating through 31 vocational institutions and 28 universities.
The main celebration will take place on June 6 from 4pm at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall in Bangkok.
Activities will include exhibitions featuring the 30 finalists from the latest silk designer competition, cultural showcases from 41 provinces, royal portrait displays and booths selling premium silk products.
An official exhibition opening ceremony for the 15th Celebration of Silk, Thai Silk Road to the World 2026 and the award presentation ceremony for the 7th Next Big Silk Designer Contest 2026 will be held on June 9 at 4pm at NEXT Hall, Siam Paragon.
The exhibition will feature more than 250 contemporary Thai silk fashion creations, alongside participation from representatives of 23 Thai government agencies, including the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
"The Ministry of Culture invites the public to support young designers and silk entrepreneurs while taking pride in Thailand's cultural wisdom on the global stage," Mr Prasop said.
