NRCT and the Royal Thai Embassy in London Officially Open “International Pavilion Thailand” at London Craft Week 2026, Showcasing the Charm of Thai Craftsmanship on the Global Stage
13 May 2026
NRCT and the Royal Thai Embassy in London Officially Open “International Pavilion Thailand” at London Craft Week 2026, Showcasing the Charm of Thai Craftsmanship on the Global Stage
On 12 May 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy in London and London Craft Week Limited, officially opened the “International Pavilion Thailand” at London Craft Week 2026. The exhibition brought the charm of Thai craftsmanship to one of the world’s most prestigious craft and design festivals, highlighting the pride of Thai wisdom and its contribution to the creative economy. The event was held at Asia House London, United Kingdom.
As part of NRCT’s participation in London Craft Week 2026, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of NRCT, together with Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director of NRCT, and a team of researchers, were honored to welcome distinguished guests at the official opening ceremony, including H.E. Mr. Nattawut Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to London, and Mrs. Priabthip Krishnamra, spouse of the Ambassador of Thailand to the UK; Mr. Guy Salter, Founder of London Craft Week; Professor Peter Pilgrim; and Dr. Alexandra Green, Curator of Southeast Asia at the British Museum. The event attracted significant interest from designers, collectors, art specialists, and visitors from around the world.
Dr. Wiparat De-Ong stated that the establishment of the International Pavilion Thailand at London Craft Week 2026 reflects NRCT’s commitment to bringing science, research, and innovation to the international stage through Thailand’s rich cultural capital. The exhibition presents the value of Thai wisdom from a contemporary perspective, integrating innovation with the diverse and distinctive cultural identities of Thailand.
H.E. Mr. Nattawut Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to London, expressed his delight in seeing Thai research and innovation works that embody the nation’s cultural identity once again captivate international audiences. He noted that this achievement builds upon the success of the Thai costume exhibition hosted at the Royal Thai Embassy in London the previous year. This year, Thailand has elevated its presentation through Thai crafts and artisanal works, which serve as an important mechanism for showcasing the country’s artistic heritage, research excellence, and creative innovation on the global stage.
Mr. Guy Salter, Founder of London Craft Week, remarked that Thailand possesses a distinctive strength in craftsmanship, successfully combining traditional wisdom with contemporary design in ways that are both unique and internationally appealing. He particularly praised this year’s exhibition of Thai basketry, which demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation. He also commended Thailand’s role in promoting crafts as a platform for international knowledge exchange, cultural dialogue, and creative inspiration.
Associate Professor Dr. Namfon Laistrooglai, an expert in museum studies and traditional arts and crafts, highlighted that the woven handicrafts and traditional Thai woven hats displayed at the exhibition are not merely beautiful craft objects but also powerful representations of local wisdom, ways of life, and the longstanding relationship between Thai communities and nature. She emphasized that basketry traditions, particularly those of the Lanna cultural region and northern Thailand, are deeply embedded in everyday life, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Each piece, crafted from locally sourced natural materials, reflects a unique local identity and the remarkable skills of Thai artisans that have been passed down through generations.
NRCT’s participation in London Craft Week 2026 marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration among policymakers, researchers, cultural experts, and international partners. The initiative demonstrates how research and innovation rooted in Thailand’s cultural heritage can become a driving force for the creative economy, generating added value from local wisdom while enhancing Thailand’s image and cultural presence on the global stage in a sustainable and meaningful way.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
