Thailand’s traditional dress, distinctive and marveled at by visitors to the Kingdom, is such a source of national pride that the Thai government will propose to UNESCO that the timeless fashion be included in its global list of intangible cultural heritage.

“Our traditional dresses narrate a story that transcends time,” said Kowit Pakamart, Director-General, Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture.

The proposal follows UNESCO’s recent decision to include Thailand’s Songkran festival, which celebrates the traditional New Year and falls in mid-April, in its intangible cultural heritage list.

The unparalleled uniqueness of Thai traditional dresses, said Kowit, is evident in their distinctive designs and materials, showcasing craftsmanship that mirrors the diverse regions of the nation.

Both seniors and younger generations of Thais share an appreciation for the traditional fashions of the Kingdom’s earlier eras.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother is a pioneer in preserving Thai cultural heritage. She led research into the Thai costumes from different eras in order to design a set of standard traditional Thai dresses for women and men to be worn on various occasions. Her Majesty also funded the teaching of designers and seamstresses to both recreate the traditional garment and integrate their elements into new designs.

Furthermore, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother personally modeled the fashions, wearing them on official functions and royal visits abroad since six decades ago alongside His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s fashion sense impressed foreign audiences on those journeys, and she appeared in Vogue and other prominent fashion magazines. Contemporary designers vied for the opportunity to create her wardrobes.

Today, pop superstar Blackpink Lisa of Thailand has also appeared in Vogue. The magazine noted that in her hit video “Lalisa,” the pop icon wore costumes from top global designers but also included modern takes on classic Thai fashion.

“There is also a golden tribute to Thai traditional dress: Lisa’s custom cape top and mini-skirt by Asava designer Polpat Asavaprapha worn with a chada-inspired headdress by Prapakas Angsusingha and jasmine ear-cuffs created by designer Sarran Youkongdee of Saraan was a bonafide moment. “Fashion and I are inseparable,” said Lisa.