Thailand does not have a national costume but the country’s traditional costume has been adopted as the national costume and is worn to all formal occasions. When Queen Sirikit – the Queen consort of Thailand – accompanied the king to Europe and the United States in 1960, she noted that there was a need for a modern national costume in Thailand that was suitable for formal wear. The queen conducted research into the historical records of Thai royal dresses, and seven official designs were developed and promoted by the queen and her aides. They are named the Ruean Ton, Chit Lada, Amarin, Borom Phiman, Chakkri, Chakkraphat and Siwalai Thai dresses. Since then, these dresses have come into regular use by the public as well.