Thursday, February 14, 2013

Thailand Silk Handicrafts - Handicraft Silk Textiles, Thai Silk Cushions, Silk Table Runners, Thai Silk Boxes, Silk Ties, Silk Underwear, Thailand Silk Garments


Thailand Silk Handicrafts
Handicraft Thai silk textiles and Thai silk handicrafts available in a selection of styles. These silk products are usually handmade and mainly sourced from small villages in the north and northeast of Thailand. Handicraft Silk Textiles, Thai Silk Cushions, Silk Table Runners, Thai Silk Boxes, Silk Ties, Silk Underwear, Thailand Silk Garments. 

Long ago I came across an old Thai saying that was said to be common amongst the people of northern Thailand, “If you are looking for a good wife then take a look at how good her silk looming skills are”. As a Yorkshire man we have a similar saying but I am yet to find a future Thai wife who can make a half decent Yorkshire pudding

Silk production has been part of Thai culture for hundreds of years and as such part of the daily way of life for thousands of ordinary folks mainly in the north and northeast of Thailand. This production is not only labour intensive but also takes tremendous skills that are passed on from generation to generation.

Tourists by the bus load are trolled around the tourist stores and "handicraft villages" to see the natives at work. All well and good. This promotes Thai silk and other handicrafts but hardly aids the real people who produce the majority of these superb textiles.

Production of the basic silk cloth is one thing. The fashioning into saleable goods is another. Nowadays with the Thai government initiatives of 'One tambon one project' high quality Thai silk handicrafts are available in abundance. The artisans have the required skills to produce the cloth. Local entrepreneurs the skills to organize production of the products. What is lacking is the marketing and distribution skills and knowledge to get these products to customers.

In step the merchants. Mostly rich Bangkokians, mostly Thai-Chinese whose primary motive is profit and secondary motive is making more profit.

Wouldn't it be a bright idea if someone could provide the artisans with access to an international market for their first class silk handicraft products.

Now there's a thought!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Monday, March 15, 2010