Thai Silk: A Creative Item Making Thailand Stand out in the World

(16/09/2011)

Thai silk with creative designs has made a name for Thailand in the international market. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit plays a vital role in promoting Thai silk, to make it better known in the world at large. A report from the Department of Intellectual Property said that the “Thai Silk” trademark of Her Majesty the Queen has been registered in many countries. According to the Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, Mrs. Pajchima Tanasanti, the trademark has been registered in China, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the European Union. She said that India was likely to register this trademark soon. Mrs. Pajchima stated that the move for the registration was meant to protect the Thai silk trademark from being used by other countries for commercial purposes. It would also create confidence among international buyers and improve the standards of Thai silk for greater international recognition. The trademark includes four types, namely golden peacock, silver peacock, blue peacock, and green peacock. The use of these types depends on different conditions. However, the most important condition is that Thai silk of these types must be produced in Thailand only and be environment-friendly. The Department of Intellectual Property, under the Ministry of Commerce, and the Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, have jointly selected 100 of the best pieces of mudmee silk for printing in a book, with detailed, informative captions. The move aimed to add value to Thai silk and bring out its identity to both domestic and international markets. Thai silk is one of Thailand’s best-known handicrafts, found not only in numerous local shops but also throughout the world. Thirty-five years ago, Her Majesty the Queen established the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, known as SUPPORT. The primary objective was to set up women’s groups and provide rural Thai women with equipment, materials, and training in cottage industries. Among the traditional crafts produced by the SUPPORT Foundation is Thai silk, especially a kind called mudmee.Thai silk is famous for its unique features. Silk brocade cloth from Lamphun province in the North and phraewa silk from the northeastern province of Kalasin are recognized as creative items. They are among the “One Tambon, One Product,” or OTOP, goods in the two provinces. Local silk makers have accumulated knowledge, skills, and expertise, which will help boost Thailand’s creative economy, thanks to the wisdom that has been passed on from generation to generation.