Traditional Thai textiles are beyond fashionable. They are the kind of beauty that transcends time.
Thai textile weaving began as a way of life and over time, it transformed into a form of art. Hand-dyed and handwoven, these textiles require a high level of skills and painstaking attention to detail. They also empower women as they play a key role in handcrafting Thai textiles. Each kind of textile differs in pattern designs and also weaving and dyeing techniques. To learn more about them, it’s best to go straight to the sources: the weaving groups and villages.
Pua in Nan, Northern Thailand
One of the most interesting characteristics of Tai Lue culture thriving in Pua is that women must learn to weave. Tai Lue women in Thailand use a special technique called Tapestry Weaving (Lai Nam Lai), using their fingers to interlace the colorful cotton threads and create highly intricate patterns. The results look like water flowing, hence the name Lai Nam Lai, which means literally that. Today you can still admire the art of traditional Tai Lue-style weaving and also purchase the handmade products in Pua.
Ban Thung Hong in Phrae, Northern Thailand
You might be familiar with Thailand’s classic indigo farmer shirts and pants, but did you know that these traditional clothes or Mo Hom are from Ban Thung Hong? Hom is the name of the plant for Mo Hom indigo dye. From weaving to dyeing, you can learn the entire process of Mo Hom production or even design and make your own costume in this village.
Ban Hat Siew in Sukhothai, Northern Thailand
Popular for colorful patterns, Ban Hat Siew textiles are Tai Phuan local wisdom, ethnic people who migrated from Laos. All Tai Phuan women learn to weave before they turn 16, so they create their own patterned sinh (a kind of sarong) for ceremonial use. Ceremonial sinh is called Pha Sinh Teen Chok in Thai.
Wat That Prasit Handicraft Center in Nakhon Phanom, Northeastern Thailand
When the late King Rama IX and the Queen visited the community, they received the local Mudmee ikat silk as a gift and saw its potential. Therefore, Wat That Prasit Handicraft Center was established as a royal initiative to help the locals generate more income outside the agricultural seasons and improve their quality of life. Since then the locals have been developing their Mudmee silk weaving and natural dyeing techniques.
Ban Tha Sawang in Surin, Northeastern Thailand
Pha Yok Thong is a very special kind of silk. It was chosen as the shirt and shawl material for global leaders who participated in the 2003 APEC in Thailand. This top-notch silk originated at Ban Tha Sawang in Surin. The beautiful village features not only traditional wooden houses but also a museum that exhibits silk fabrics with ancient Thai patterns.
Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind to the mesmerizing shades of Thailand.
