| Thailand has long been popular and famous for its | | | | Today, there are number of silk companies in and |
| gorgeous iridescent silk. The art of making silk | | | | around Bangkok. However, northeast is still the |
| originated in northeastern Thailand, where cloth | | | | major region of silk production. The company |
| weaving is a traditional craft. The people from | | | | founded by Jim Thompson near the northeastern |
| northeast rear their own silkworms, spin and dye | | | | town of Pak Thong Chai is the largest hand |
| the yarn to make bolts of silk which are sold | | | | weaving facility in the world. |
| world over. | | | | Thailand produces plain and printed silks in |
| The silk industry in Thailand went into a slump in | | | | different weights. A specialty of northeast |
| the latter part of the 19th century when cheap | | | | Thailand is Mudmee, which is a much sought-after |
| factory produced fabrics from China and Japan | | | | silk. It is brocaded with silk and silver threads in |
| began flooding the market. During the reign of | | | | traditional Thai patterns and designs. The making |
| King Chulalongkorn, attempts were made to | | | | of Mudmee takes a lot of time and skill, which is |
| revive this decaying industry. Japanese experts | | | | why it is the most expensive silk. In Thailand, |
| were brought to the country and a Department | | | | Mudmee is used for ceremonial occasions and |
| of Sericulture was set up. However, it did little to | | | | weddings. |
| uplift the silk industry. A few years after World | | | | Silk from Thailand can be purchased not just in |
| War II, an American named Jim Thompson was | | | | local shops but throughout the world. You can get |
| instrumental in reviving the silk industry of Thailand | | | | Thai silk in plain lengths, plaids, stripes, prints, |
| and making the silk popular in international | | | | checks and brocades. Thai silk is the most popular |
| markets. | | | | of all the handicrafts in Thailand. |