Food and Agricultural Science II Regular Assignment

Name: Choong Wen Kang Iain Student ID: 19190014

Report: Report on the history of sericulture in your home country (or neighboring

country)

History of Sericulture in Thailand

Several archaeological excavations in Northeastern of Thailand have found the scarp of

silk fabric attaching to a prehistoric bronze bracelet dating back 2,400-3,500 years at Ban
Chiang, Udornthani province. The scarp of silk fabric found at Ban Na Di strongly showed
that sericulture of Thailand might be more than 3,000 years.

Although the evidence of Thai sericulture cannot be traced as far back as in China, Thai
people in all parts of the country have been weaving their own textiles for generations.
Sericulture is one of the traditional sources of income for Thai people. Sericulture was
developed and promoted in the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who established
a Department of Sericulture more than a century ago. However, most of the farmers
practice sericulture as a supplementary occupation in small-scale.

Thai silk exports contribute to the country more than 600 million baht in 2012. It is
predicted to increase, especially hand-woven cloth, which is gaining popularity abroad.
The major markets include United States of America, Japan, Italy, United Kingdom, and
France.

Thai silk with its creative designs has made a name for Thailand in the international
market. ASEAN countries have discussed cooperation in silk development in order to deal
with greater competition in the world market. Therefore, Thailand has the greatest
potential to become ASEAN silk hub which will play a vital role in helping develop the silk
industry in this region.