Thai monarchs spotlight traditional textiles during historic Vietnam state visit

King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida began a three-day state visit to Vietnam on Sept. 14, landing in Hanoi and being received by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his wife. Throughout the trip the queen displayed a range of outfits that emphasized Thai textile traditions, including an ikat-silk midi skirt and cropped jacket, an olive-gray blazer with a mesh-patterned silk skirt, a royal yellow Dusit gown crafted from Yok silk, and a purple silk dress embroidered with gold thread, each accessorised with rattan handbags and gemstone jewellery made by Thai artisans.

Key events included a visit to Hanoi University, laying wreaths at the Bac Son War Martyrs Monument and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and attending a state banquet on Sept. 15. The accessories were produced by members of the Royal Handicraft Association, underscoring the heritage craft. This visit is the first by a Thai monarch to Vietnam since diplomatic ties were established in 1976, serving both diplomatic and cultural purposes.