A couple of weeks ago the Bangkok Post had a story of a group of villages in northern Korat that were trying to buck the trend of using imported silk thread in "Thai" silk products. These villages are part of Silk Net, an organization that is encouraging villagers to grow Mulberry trees, raise their own silkworms and produce completely indigenous silk thread and fabric.
We decided we'd like to visit one of these villages so headed out on a day trip.
We went to Ban Pa-Ngad, which is about 75K north of Korat just off Highway 2, a few K past the turnoff to Phimai. This is Tambon Kam Sombun, Ampu Khong.
Here's Ms. B asking for directions as we'd stopped for the hay wagon.
Unoccupied wooden loom.
This woman is spooling died thread.
Examining some of the products on offer. The bright fabric uses commercial chemically produced dyes. The more muted fabric is dyed with natural materials.
Weaving the fabric.
Note the nice pattern.
Getting thread ready for the loom.
Another happy weaver.
Silk worms. The told us they were "sleeping" and, indeed, they seemed to be dormant: not eating and barely moving. They become active when the rainy season starts and produce cocoons in the summer months.
Locally grown Mulberry leaves.
Second floor spinner.
Nice old house.
Some of the fabric we bought.