BANGKOK — 6 June 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening of the 15th Thai Silk Festival “Thai Silk to the World” at the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium in Bangkok on Saturday evening, declaring 2026 the “Golden Year of Thai Fabric.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Anutin cited a resurgence of interest in Thai traditional textiles, particularly among younger generations, driven by the royal initiative “Wear Thai Fabric with Joy.” He also praised the international success of Thai silk through the exhibition “La Mode en Majesté — Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity,” held in Paris under the patronage of Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, marking 170 years of Thai-French diplomatic relations.
The festival also featured the award ceremony for the 7th Next Big Silk Designer Contest 2026, both events organised in honour of Queen Suthida on the occasion of her 48th birthday.
Anutin described Thai silk as a “cultural ambassador” that carries Thai wisdom and identity to the world, while also serving as a driver of the creative economy. He said the government is committed to promoting the Thai silk industry across all dimensions.
The festival drew participation from 72 embassies and 18 honorary consulates, with ambassadors from 36 countries taking part in a fashion show on stage. More than 79 teams from educational institutions across the country also competed and exhibited their work, bringing together over 1,000 fashion and textile students and lecturers.
