Silk show honours HM Queen Mother

Thai textiles from across the country will take centre stage during "Thai Silk Festival 2022" which will take place at the Plenary Hall 4 and in front of the Exhibition Hall 1-3 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Ratchadaphisek Road, on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, from 10am to 8pm.

Sirivannavari Couture. Community Development Department

Organised by the Ministry of Interior's Community Development Department and Ladies Association, the festival is to mark the 90th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother who has greatly contributed to the conservation and promotion of traditional Thai textiles and to showcase HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya's dedication to grow, preserve and promote the heritage of Thai craftsmanship.

The festival is divided into three zones. The "Commemoration Exhibition Zone" will showcase the Queen Mother's royal activities, as well as her establishment of the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand which has become a centre for the revival of traditional Thai textiles for 50 years.

Visitors will learn about mulberry silkworm and weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations, and witness textile patterns that carry the distinct cultural identity of each region.

Thai textiles with unique identities from the four regions. photos courtesy of Community Development Department

The "Otop Luxury Zone" will feature 100 booths offering Otop products by craft masters from the four regions. Also, expect to see textiles with the Princess's S pattern and also Nariratana Rajakanya khit textiles. The "Larn Kham Hom Zone", meanwhile, will stage rarely-seen dance and music performances from each region.

Another highlight will be a showcase of Thai couture designs by 10 leading brands -- Sirivannavari Couture, Kai, Tirapan, Pichita, Pisit, Theatre, Asava, Issue, Vatit Itthi and Wisharawish.

Inspired by the Queen Mother, they created their costumes using textiles from the four regions -- prae wa silk, mudmee silk, Thai brocade silk, embroidered hilltribe fabrics, Hangkrarok silk, Thai batik, indigo-dyed cotton and Thai loincloth -- to reflect that Thai textiles can be developed to be modern while maintaining the unique charm of Thai identities.

There is no admission fee. Visit facebook.com/prcdd.