History of Thai Silk

         Although no one can find clear evidence to explain the origin of silk in it. However, it may be said that art and craft of weaving is one of the oldest man in ancient times, who live in this land know. It is intended to be used since prehistoric times 

        From paintings on cave walls, as Khao Prara, Uthai Thani province for about 2,500 years old is a traditional human animals such as buffalo, dogs and humans show that the animal is already known. The dress looks very similar to that of modern humans, the upper strip. The lower the assumption that it will use any leather or fabric of coarse rope tied around the hips. Adorned with feathers on his head.

         Pottery vessels found in Tum Phee (the cave of the ancient spirits) in Mae Hong Kong province was about 7000-8000 years ago, were decorated with rope and welded joint brace. Assumption that humans are known to make ropes and nets before. By the treatment plant fiber into rope. Then he tied a rope or a woven mesh. Of knitting, weaving, they developed a simple technique is to weave a rope was tied to a tree or a stand on that thread. Then came a jump rope E-line stand against the thread. It is a coarse fabric similar to other coarse sackcloth.

         Archaeological evidence found at Ban Chiang, Udon Thani province, such as bracelets, bronze province with a rag stuck with rust and rust stains. Scientists explain that. rust is the corrosion of metal objects, a new tree. But the conservative clothes, organic matter, which is not to deteriorate over time. The source also revealed for the Ban Chiang pottery, weaving, is a device for the spinning clay which is a simple spinning wheel and carved designs on the fabric used to make many. As a result, archaeologists have assumed that. People living in the Ban Chiang was about 2000-4000 years ago, spinning, weaving, dyeing and printing a pattern onto the fabric as well.

         History of Thai silk, no definite proof. Know only that Thailand has cultivated mulberry silk for more than two thousand years. Of evidence. Since the reign of King Rama V in B.E. 2444, he contemplated and ordered the official promotion of sericulture. A few years later and has hired experts to explore the Japanese way of producing silk and silk in a variety of promotions have been established in the Ministry of Agriculture Department, I like the idea. The government has been  promoting the silk is always a step up to the year 2456  has closed and let people feed on each other's career until B.E.2475. Thailand has been a change of regime, the regime was integrated into the democratic rights of the King as Head of State. The government has to promote the silk again. The silk factory was set up as the first seminar. The problem of plant material. Because people do not specialize in silk. I encourage the government and the people were fed. The yield was poor. Fibers are short and fluffy. With machinery purchased from abroad are not as good. The silk industry has been affected until the outbreak of  Burapha Asian war. Silk business must be stopped.

         In the past, Thai silk is not as widely known in the world market. Thai people do not even have a popular silk garment. The silk is only limited in the elite only. Was later extended to ordinary people, but it was put on the frame to fit adults only. Until after World War 2, when Jim Thomson, American obsession with Thai silk. The restoration of the Thai silk industry from the ground up. Thai silk is made known to the outside world even more. Together with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has the initiative to promote Thai handicrafts Mud Mee silk. This is another art form that has focus. Her Majesty founded the Center for Arts and Crafts. For conservation. Preserve and promote Thai handicrafts all fields. It also has an exemplary reputation in the dissemination of Thai silk. The clothes made with Thai silk. Whether Her Majesty is in the country or go abroad. Present the leading designers both Thai and foreigners. Popular Thai silk fabric and the sewing ผgamadhmie. The fashion show is seen on a regular basis. Both local and foreign and Thai silk garment to wear. This was Thai silk has become a major product of the country and the world to market demands.

References :

Nualkhae Paliwanich.  (2542).  Kwaom-Ru-Ruang-Pha-Lae-Senyai.  (The new revised edition).  Bangkok: C-Education. (In Thai).

Panyathai. (2009).  Ton-Kamnerd-Pha-Mai.  Retrieved Febuary 1, 2010, from  http://www.panyathai.or.th/wiki/index.php/ผ้าไหมไทย

(In Thai).

Written by: Nayika Derdkhuntod