Top Thai Beauty Queens Gather for PAKAIAN MELAYU 2026 Runway Walk Celebrating Local Textile Heritage

Thailand's top beauty queens and national-level models are gathering for the spectacular "PAKAIAN MELAYU 2026: The Gold of Pakaian" event, where they will showcase traditional Malay fabrics on an international platform.

Yala province, working with Yala Municipality and domestic and international partner organizations, is hosting the 2026 "Pakaian Melayu" event on a grand scale to promote and preserve local Malay textile heritage while positioning Southern Thailand's identity as an international fashion and cultural soft power.

This year's event marks the fifth edition of "Pakaian Melayu," reflecting continuous efforts to bring local culture to national and international creative stages. The opening ceremony was presided over by Khongskul Chantarach, Yala Provincial Governor, at Yala Municipality Hall, with attendance from Pongsak Yingchonmjearng, Yala Municipality Mayor, representatives from Malaysian and Indonesian consulates in Songkhla province, Yala's cultural office, and various partner organizations.

This year's event stands out as one of the most ambitious cultural fashion platforms in the Southern Border region, featuring nationally renowned models and beauty queens showcasing the allure of "Pakaian" fabrics through stunning contemporary fashion shows. Leading models include Kanyalaksana Nukaew, Manita Farmer, Chotinpha Kaewjarun, Patharaporn Wang, Karina Mueller, Worangkhana Sirisat, Nanthiya Suvannsavaeng, Jennifer Jones, Neercha Darling, and Pornlapat Chansiri, who are creating a new phenomenon by transforming local Southern Border textiles into distinctive contemporary fashion at the national level.

Yala Governor Khongskul Chantarach stated that the project aims to instill pride in Malay culture among youth and the public, emphasizing that "Pakaian" fabrics represent more than just traditional clothing—they embody wisdom heritage reflecting the lifestyle, identity, and cultural roots of local communities. Additionally, they serve as an important soft power that can generate sustainable circular income for communities, improve living standards for artisan groups, and create long-term economic value.

The event includes competitions, design showcases, exhibitions, and various creative activities, providing youth, designers, entrepreneurs, and the public with platforms to demonstrate their talents by blending traditional wisdom with contemporary design, positioning Yala as a new center for Malay fashion in the region and on the global stage.