Depending on the fabrics used, this outfit may be worn during daytime ceremonies, royal ceremonies, and official visits with foreign dignitaries that do not require displaying insignia. Black versions of the Chitralada are worn at funerals or during periods of mourning.

Source: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (http://www.qsmtthailand.org/)

Amarin: Named after the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, the Amarin is similar to the Chitralada, but uses more luxurious fabrics and is paired with an extravagant set of jewelry. The silk garments may also incorporate gold thread (silk brocade), especially in the flower embroidery. While there is no belt, the Amarin outfit is usually adorned with insignia depending on the occasion.  

This ensemble is suitable for evening functions, receptions, the theatre, royal ceremonies & processions, association gatherings, and other occasions that call for full- or half-dress attire.

Source: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (http://www.qsmtthailand.org/)

Boromphiman: Named after the Boromphiman Throne Hall, the Boromphiman also uses luxurious fabrics—either Thai silk or silk brocade. Key differences from the Amarin are that the blouse does not have any buttons and can either open at the front or back. Furthermore, the blouse is sewn into the sinh as a single piece, and the sarong is pleated in front in a fashion known as jeeb wai chai pok. Accessories also include an ornamental belt.

Considered formal, the Boromphiman is worn for evening functions and other occasions that call for full- or half-dress attire, such as gala dinners, royal and official receptions, and by royal brides.

Worn by Queen Sirikit during state visits to Japan (June 3rd, 1963) and Taiwan (June 7th, 1963). Source: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (http://www.qsmtthailand.org/collection/hm-queen-sirikits-thai-traditional-dress-thai-dusit/)

Dusit: Named after Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the Dusit is markedly different from the other outfits. The blouse is sleeveless and the collar widened into a round neck- and backline. It opens at the back and is adorned with sewn-on jewelry such as pearls, beads, and sequins. It is worn with a gold brocade sinh that is pleated in the front and paired with a belt. 

The Dusit is equivalent to a formal Western-style evening gown.

Source: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (http://www.qsmtthailand.org/collection/hm-queen-sirikits-thai-traditional-dress-thai-chakri/)

Chakri: Named after the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the Chakri is what most people think of when they refer to a traditional Thai dress. Made of gold or silver metal-thread brocade, the outfit consists of bodice wrapped in a single shawl or sabai draped across the chest over the non-dominant shoulder, exposing the other shoulder. The sinh has the signature front pleat, and the ensemble is paired with an ornate belt and necklace.

Considered an evening dress, the Chakri is also worn to royal ceremonies and by brides-to-be for daytime engagement or wedding ceremonies.

Source: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (http://www.qsmtthailand.org/)

Chakraphat: Named for Chakraphat Phiman Throne Hall, the Chakraphat is similar to the Chakri but considered more elegant. The key difference is that this outfit uses two sabai layered over each other. The outer shawl is often highly ornate, with detailed embroidery. The Chakraphat is often highly accessorized with a necklace, a belt, a tiara, armbands, bracelets, and earrings depending on the occasion.

The Chakraphat may be worn for formal banquets and official dinners.

Worn by Queen Sirikit to a command performance at the National Theatre at the National Theatre (January 16th, 1968). Source: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles （http://www.qsmtthailand.org/collection/hm-queens-sirikit-thai-traditional-dress-thai-siwalai/）

Siwalai: Named for Siwalai Garden in the Grand Palace, the Siwalai consists of a long-sleeve blouse with a short standing collar, a sabai draped across the chest like the Chakraphat, and a sinh with a front pleat that can be a separate piece or sewn into the blouse as one dress similar to the Boromphiman.

The Siwalai is also commonly seen at royal ceremonies or at very formal daytime and evening events.

SUPPORT for Thai textiles

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has since been a long supporter of traditional Thai materials, especially Thai silk. Sericulture or silk farming is an extremely difficult trade passed down for generations. After harvesting and soaking the cocoons of the silk moth caterpillar, the silk is spun into threads and painstakingly woven by hand into complicated patterns.

In 1976, the Queen graciously created the SUPPORT Foundation to preserve the history and craftsmanship of Thai textiles, particularly handwoven silk and cotton. The foundation has since been a steady source of income for rural farming communities, especially those prone to bouts of flooding and drought. 

Since its inception, SUPPORT has organized annual fashion shows where renowned international designers are invited to incorporate Thai silk into their designs. In this way, Her Majesty ensures the preservation of a beautiful Thai tradition. 

Fashion fit for a Queen

Thai dresses were designed as early as the 1960s for royalty, but Her Majesty’s timeless style and foresight has allowed these traditional ensembles to stay relevant as proud statements of the Thai identity and enjoy widespread use and appreciation.

If you want to know more about traditional Thai clothes, visit Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles or reach out to their Facebook Page. There are several rotating exhibitions showcasing Thai textiles and garments, including the dresses worn by the Queen herself. 

Author: Marie Steiner

Fluent in English, French, and Thai, Marie is passionate about deep-dive anecdotes of Thai history & culture, especially in the Franco-Thai context. She serves as Account Executive at Bangkok-based digital marketing agency PAPER & PAGE (Thailand) Co. Ltd., where she manages several projects including Thailand NOW. Her previous marketing experience includes senior positions at Alliance Française Bangkok and Greyhound Café.

https://www.thailandnow.in.th/