Thailand was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with India in 1947, while the economic and cultural relations between the two could be traced back to more than 2000 years and provide the very foundation of the bilateral relationship.
Indian textiles used by the Thais were mentioned and depicted in the historical accounts and arts during Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods. They include chintz or calico, brocade, ikat, embroidery etc. Temples’ mural paintings, ancient books, and old photos show how Indian textiles were used in Thai context.
Recently,H.E. Ms Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, together with Shri Ashish Middha, Head of Secretariat Branch, Kolkata, MEA, presided over the inauguration ceremony of a seminar and two-day textile exhibition at ICCR, Kolkata. This event was co-organised by the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Kolkata, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. . Three experts from Thailand led by Dr. Anucha Thirakanont, Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University, shared their knowledge with their Indian counterpart in a seminar on Thailand – India cross cultural influence in textile history and on craftmanship development trends during and post COVID- 19.
From Indian side, Mr. Rajesh Sen described varieties of Bengal textile. Mr. Biren Basak also gave attendants the special demonstration on weaving techniques. . Fine hand-weaving works from Thailand are exhibited until 26 June 2022 along with fun activity of DIY flower pin made from Thai hand-weaving fabric. This exhibition is a kick-off event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and India which also coincides with the celebration of 75 years of India’s independence or Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Dr. Anucha Thirakanont is currently Dean of Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University and also former Director of Thai Khadee Research Institute. He has an academic background in Journalism. He is one of the well-known cultural promoters in traditional arts such as Thai performing arts and textiles. His talk will suggest the cultural relation between Thai and Indian Textiles in terms of technique, pattern and trade.
Dr. Wuthigrai Siriphon is an award-winning weaver, designer and a researcher based in Thailand. His works explore ways to rethink and revitalise traditional crafts while balancing between the integrity of the tradition and the exploratory approach to the practice. His projects often combine traditional Thai craft techniques and materials with new design approaches. He is a Lecturer in Textiles Design at Thammasat University’s Department of Textile and Fashion Design.
Mr. Wisharawish Akarasantisoon graduated from IFM, Paris and is a part time lecturer at Silapakorn University. He is a creative director of Wisharawish, one of Thailand’s leading haute houses. He specializes in harmonizing local textiles with contemporary techniques and progressive designs, turning age old wisdoms and local materials into internationally recognized and lauded blueprints for modernized usage of traditional Thai fabrics and almost forgotten methods.
