Rising demand for Thai silk in the international market has helpedsericulture in Thailand maintain a steady growth, according to the ThaiGovernment’s Public Relations Department (PRD) website.
Thai silkproducts in the United States, Japan, and European countries are ingreat demand, while some countries in the Middle East, such as Oman, arestarting to pay more attention to Thai silk for use in decoration.
ThePRD said market value of Thai silk is now about six billion THB(approximately 200 million USD) a year, adding that although demand forThai silk remains high, the area for silk farming is on the decline.Today, the land area for silkworm raising and mulberry production hasdropped to only 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) from the previous 160,000 acres(64,000 ha).
In order to meet the growing demand for Thai silkproducts in both local and foreign markets, officials have acceleratedthe expansion of silk farming in the northern region.
Thai silkexports earned the country more than 600 million THB (20 million USD) in2012. They are likely to increase, especially hand-woven cloth, whichis gaining popularity abroad. Major markets include the United States ,Japan , Italy , the United Kingdom , and France .
Silk isone of Thailand’s best-known handicrafts, found not only in numerouslocal shops but also throughout the world. It is also among the mostpopular products under the “One Tambon, One Product,” or OTOP,programme.
Silk weaving is practiced in every region and thereare a number of silk companies in and around Bangkok, but the Northeastis still the main production centre.-VNA
Thai silkproducts in the United States, Japan, and European countries are ingreat demand, while some countries in the Middle East, such as Oman, arestarting to pay more attention to Thai silk for use in decoration.
ThePRD said market value of Thai silk is now about six billion THB(approximately 200 million USD) a year, adding that although demand forThai silk remains high, the area for silk farming is on the decline.Today, the land area for silkworm raising and mulberry production hasdropped to only 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) from the previous 160,000 acres(64,000 ha).
In order to meet the growing demand for Thai silkproducts in both local and foreign markets, officials have acceleratedthe expansion of silk farming in the northern region.
Thai silkexports earned the country more than 600 million THB (20 million USD) in2012. They are likely to increase, especially hand-woven cloth, whichis gaining popularity abroad. Major markets include the United States ,Japan , Italy , the United Kingdom , and France .
Silk isone of Thailand’s best-known handicrafts, found not only in numerouslocal shops but also throughout the world. It is also among the mostpopular products under the “One Tambon, One Product,” or OTOP,programme.
Silk weaving is practiced in every region and thereare a number of silk companies in and around Bangkok, but the Northeastis still the main production centre.-VNA
