Thai National Costumes
When Queen Sirikit accompanied by the King Bhumibhol Adolyadej in state visits to Europe and the United States in 1960, H. M. noted that there was a need for a modern national costume suitable for formal wear. The queen had researched and conducted data from historical records of royal dresses, and eight official designs were developed and promoted by the queen herself and her aides. There are named Ruean Ton, Chit Lada, Amarin, Borom Bhiman, Chakkri, Dusit, Chakkrabhat and Siwalai Thai dresses accordingly. Since then, these dresses have been coming into the regular use by women for ever. The last one attire we are presented and recommended for Visitors to Thailand to praise that is Thai Payook Dress. However, men's national costume is known as 'suea bhraratcha-than (royally bestowed shirt).
Thai Ruean Ton Dress
Thai Ruean Ton is the most casual clothing of all outfits. It is comprised of a horizontally or vertically striped either cotton or silk Bha Sin (Sarongs) and also smooth-colored Sarong which edging stretches to ankle long and always folds to one side. Anyway, blouse colors are able to use as same as fabric color stripe, either contrasting with sarong color or the same as the color of sarong. The blouse is separated from sarong, and her sleeves are elbow long in order to comfortable wearing. Her pattern is the rimless, five buttons, front opening and without collar. It is suitable for casual and nonofficial functions such as Kathin Ton, religious ceremonies of the conferring royal offerings to monks.
Thai Chit Lada Dress
Thai Chit Lada, with its brocaded band at the hem of the Bha Sin (sarong), is a daytime ceremonial dress. It is able to wear with a long sleeved blouse, with the front opening attached by five ornamental silver or golden buttons. Bha Sin (sarong) is a casual wraparound. It can be worn to an informal ceremony such as welcoming the official royal guests at the airport. Wearers do not need to decorate insignia but the color and style should be appropriate for situation.
Thai Amarin Dress
Thai Amarin is evening attire, made of brocaded fabric. This style, wearers do not need to wear belts. The blouse can be wide and round-necked. The sleeves length sits just below the elbows. The beauty of this dress is its textile and accessories. It is able to dress for dinner or importantly the Royal Birthday Procession. The royal decorations (insignia) are necessary to be worn.
Thai Borom Bhiman Dress
Thai Borom Bhiman is also a formal evening attire, comprising a long sleeved blouse which is either buttoned at the front or back. The blouse is tucked beneath Bha Sin (sarong) with its front pleats (Na Nang). The fabric is brocaded to create a highly luxurious appearance and impression. Her collar is round-necked style. The skirt (sarong) length runs about the ankle. Both Bha Sin and blouse are sewn together like a one piece dress of which style is suitable for a tall and slender person. It is able to wear in either formal or semi-formal events such as the League Ceremony or royal functions. This dress is necessary for decorating with royal accessories (insignia).
Thai Chakkri Dress
Thai Chakkri is a formal and elegant out fits. Normally, the procession of weaving cloth, we are called "Yok" [ pronounced like: soak ] is a special technique. (Yok creates additional thickness within the fabric without adding supplementary threads. Often a touch of gold or silver-colored threads are added, making this procession of fabric is more expensive) Costume is finished with Bha Sin (sarong), a full length-round skirt with two pleats folds in the front called "Na Nang".
Thai Chakkrabhat Dress
Thai Chakkrabhat is Thai dress with a shawl like Thai Chakkri. However, it is more conservative and considered more official. The upper part has a pleated shawl cover, a thicker shawl with full embroidery on the upper shawl. It can be worn for royal or national ceremonies.
