The combination of Batik and Thai Silk was displayed at the 2022 Silk Fashion Extravaganza which was held at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall-Bangkok, May 28, 2021. The clothes designed by students from Uttaradit Vocational College and the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok were demonstrated directly by the Indonesian Ambassador to Bangkok Rachmat Budiman and Mrs. Riet Rietanty Budiman in front of about 700 spectators. The excitement of the fashion show that night began with the appearance of 14 permanent secretaries (secretaries general) from 14 ministries and agencies in Thailand who continuously support the promotion of Thai silk to the international community. Then followed by the appearance of Honorary Models consisting of Ambassadors and their companions, Deputy Chief of Mission, representatives of foreign embassies and honorary consuls of foreign countries for various representatives in Thailand.
During the appearance of Ambassador Rachmat Budiman and his wife at the fashion show, the background of the promotional video of Borobudur Temple and various tourism objects in Yogjakarta was displayed. This opportunity was also used to introduce the city of Yogjakarta as the world's Batik city to diplomatic circles and other international guests.
The preparation for making clothes which was demonstrated by the Ambassador and his wife was carried out through direct meetings between the team from Uttaradit Vocational College and the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. Before starting the design, the students and the team were asked by the committee to conduct research on the culture and richness of Indonesian textiles that are suitable to be combined with silk from Thailand. Based on the research results, it was agreed that the combination of Indonesian Batik fabric with Thai silk in the clothes worn by the Ambassador and Mrs. Riet Ritanty Budiman was agreed.
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Wissanu Krea-Ngam was present and officially opened the 2022 Grand Thai Silk Fashion Extravaganza accompanied by the Minister of Culture of Thailand, IItthiphol Khunpluem and a number of other high-ranking officials. It was said that even though it was in a pandemic condition and had been delayed several times, efforts to promote Thai silk as the soft power of this country to the international community continued to be carried out.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand expressed his appreciation to the diplomatic circles who had participated in the activity. "This activity is very special because it is also to commemorate Queen Sirikit's 90th birthday," he said, (29/5/2022).
Immediately after the fashion show, the Deputy Prime Minister specifically expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Rachmat Budiman for participating in the event, which in turn is expected to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The grand exhibition organized by the H.E. Queen Sirikit Thailand in 2022 took the theme of the 11th Celebration of Silk-Thai Silk Road to the World 2022. In an effort to minimize the spread of Covid-19, this year's activities were carried out by implementing strict health protocols, including through mandatory ATK tests and the use of masks during activities.
