Thailand’s yearly silk show in Bangkok contributes to the country’s ‘soft power’ strategy

As part of their soft power strategy, Thai officials have stated that they will continue to sell the country’s world-renowned silk. Permanent secretaries marched down a runway wearing the costumes from the fashion show. At a separate event, diplomats, as well as professional, amateur, and guest models, showcased new collections. Over 200 fashion students from Thailand’s universities and colleges presented silk collections at the annual Thai silk market on Friday night. The Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, which is located alongside Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, hosted the event.

The annual fair attracts young Thais interested in traditional materials and encourages them to merge traditional silk with current fashion, as per Thailand’s Culture Minister, Itthiphol Kunplome.

The third Big Silk Designer Contest received a total of 227 designs, as per to Itthiphol. The term ‘soft power’ entered Thai parlance last month after young rapper ‘Milli’ commercialized Thailand’s customary sticky rice and mango dish. The Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam, enunciated gratitude to embassies and delegations for their support in promoting Thai silk, which included the use of Thai silk in national costumes.