Thai National Costume

Thai Ruean Ton is in fact the most informal of all styles. It has a horizontally or upright streaked silk or simple coloured pha sin along with a designed bnd at the border, occasionally wrapped to one side, The collarless chemise that goes with this costume is separated from ankle-length kilt. The sleeves are elbow-length, and the chemise has a frontal opening. It is appropriate for informal and non-official events like Kathin Ton, the spiritual ritual of the conferring of imperial contributions to monks. Thai Chakkri is an official and stylish wear; normally made using “Yok” weaving method (Yok makes additional width within the material without adding extra threads. Often a hint of gold or silver coloured yarns are included, making the material produced this way mainly more costly) The dress is finished with “pha sin”, which is a full length wrap-around kilt with two interlaced folds on the front known as “na nang”. Thai Boromphiman is formal evening dress, including a long sleeved chemise which is buttoned at the front side or the back. The chemise is tucked under pha sin with the front pleats (na nang). The material is brocaded to produce a highly comfortable appearance and feel. The neckline of the chemise is round-necked. The length of skirt runs about the ankle. The blouse and skirt are woven together like a single piece costume of which style is appropriate for a tall and slim wearer. It can be easily worn in formal or semi-formal occasions like the League Ceremony or regal functions. Noble decorations are worn also.

Thai Chakkraphat is a special Thai costume with a stole like Thai Chakkri. Nevertheless, it is more traditional and considered more decent. The upper section has an interlaced shawl cover a broader shawl with complete needlework on the upper shawl. It can be easily worn for stately or national events. Thai Siwalai, an official evening dress, is quite comparable to Thai Boromphiman, but it includes an over-shoulder stole. It is mainly worn for noble ceremonies or official functions. Thai Dusit is a unique wide-necked and sleeveless embroidered dress. The blouse and skirt can be stitched together. It can be easily worn for evening events as an alternative to Western-style dresses. The Yok silk material is utilized. Either Western-style accessories or Thai accessories can be worn. Thai Amarin is an evening dress, made of embroidered fabric. With this design, the wearer need not wear a belt. The chemise can be broad and round-necked. The length of the sleeve sits below the elbow. The attractiveness of this dress is its fabric and frills. It can be utilized for an evening meal or at the Royal Birthday Procession.




Thai Chitlada has an embroidered band at the helm of pha sin, is an afternoon ceremonial costume. It can be easily worn with a long sleeved blouse, with the frontage attached with 5 decorative gold or silver buttons. The pha sin is an informal wraparound. The dress can be worn in a ceremony that is a not very casual like welcoming the official guests at the airport.

Characteristics Of Thai National Costume:

  • Thai Ruean Ton made with streaked silk
  • Thai Chakkri occasionally made with gold or silver threads
  • Thai Boromphiman is heavily embroidered
  • Thai Chakkraphat has an interlaced shawl
  • Thai Siwalai worn for noble ceremonies