“Eight Types of Thai Royal-Inspired Costumes: The Genius of Her Majesty the Queen Mother – A Heritage of Thai Pride”
Overview
The “Thai Royal‑Inspired Costume” (Thai: Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom) refers to eight formal styles of women’s traditional Thai dress that were formalised under the initiative of Queen Sirikit. สถานกงสุลใหญ่ ณ นครเซี่ยงไฮ้+2nationthailand+2
These eight styles draw upon historical royal dress, Thai silk weaving traditions, and the need to create costume that would express national identity in international and formal settings. nationthailand+1
The Eight Styles
Below is a summary of each of the eight costume styles, including occasion and key features:
| Style | Occasion & Features |
|---|---|
| Thai Ruean Ton | The most casual of the eight; a collarless blouse and ankle‑length sinh (sarong) with simple horizontal stripes towards the hem. Named after the “Ruean Ton” (wooden houses) of Dusit Palace. Suitable for daytime, religious or less formal settings. |
| Thai Chitlada | A more formal daytime dress. Features a blouse with a short standing collar, matching patterned blouse and skirt, sometimes flower embroidery. Suitable for official daytime visits. |
| Thai Amarin | Evening or semi‑formal attire with luxurious fabric (silk brocade, gold thread), worn for receptions, theatre, royal processions. Named after Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall. |
| Thai Boromphiman | A highly formal evening gown. Blouse sewn into the skirt as single piece, pleated front “jeeb wai chai pok”, accessories like ornamental belt. Suitable for gala dinners, royal brides, high‑level formal functions. Named after Boromphiman Throne Hall. |
| Thai Chakri | One of the most iconic. Bodice wrapped with a sabai (shawl) draped over one shoulder, front pleated sinh, ornate belt and necklace. Evening wear, weddings, royal ceremonies. Named after Chakri Maha Prasat. |
| Thai Chakraphat | Even more elaborate than Chakri: two layered sabai, heavy embroidery, full accessories (tiara, bracelets) for very formal banquets and state dinners. Named after Chakraphat Phiman. |
| Thai Siwalai | Long‑sleeve blouse with short collar, sabai across the chest, front pleated sinh or blouse sewn in. Used for very formal daytime or evening events. Named after Siwalai Garden in the Grand Palace. |
| Thai Dusit | A modern interpretation styled like a Western evening gown: sleeveless blouse, round neck/backline, gold brocade skirt with belt. Named after Dusit Maha Prasat. |
