Meena Saechao

Meena wears the Chut Thai Chakri, a formal Thai ensemble named for the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. It is made of gold or silver brocade. A shawl crosses the chest and goes over the non-dominant shoulder. The sinh skirt has a single front pleat.

It is worn for royal ceremonies, festivals, formal gatherings, and weddings. The colors mean something. Gold and red are wealth, power, and dignity. Purple, the color of Thai queens, is nobility and grace.

The gold accessories are a headpiece, earrings, arm cuffs, a belt, a body chain, and a hairpin. Many take their forms from Thai mythology.

For Meena, wearing it is an act of reverence for the artistry of Thailand.

MEENA SAECHAO · CHUT THAI CHAKRI, THAILAND · MINNESOTA · ARCHIVE NOTE, 2026