Got a chud Thai in your wardrobe? The government wants to see it

Thai fabrics have always had a moment – just not quite an everyday one. That's about to change.

The government transforms mall courtyards this month with an initiative called Proud to Wear Thai Nationwide, and Siam Paragon is the latest stop on March 31 from 4pm onwards. The idea is simple: wear Thai, however that looks to you. Full traditional dress counts. So does a silk sabai paired with jeans.

It's part of a bigger push to position Thai culture as soft power – letting the country speak for itself through what people wear, make and buy. Younger generations are already doing a lot of that work, taking traditional elements and pulling them somewhere fresher without losing what makes them distinctly Thai. Culture, when it moves like that, stays alive.

Got a favourite piece of Thai fabric sitting forgotten at the back of your wardrobe? Now's the moment to bring it out. No Thai textiles yet? This is probably the inspiration you need to start.

The event runs from 4pm on Monday 31 March at Fashion Hall, first floor, Siam Paragon.