Background of the Queen Sirikit Silk Project

Queen Sirikit aimed to promote silk weaving as a household industry to preserve the traditional Thai craft among women, while also increasing family income through the sale of silk cloth and skirts. She graciously provided silk threads to villagers in various regions for weaving and emphasized that encouraging mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing would create additional employment opportunities. This would also reduce the need to import silk from abroad.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej supported the project from the outset by providing guidance on constructing reservoirs and water pipes to facilitate the work. The project was designed so that villagers could adopt and apply the methods in their own communities, complementing the official project activities that small villages might not be able to implement independently.

Project Location:
The project was established on land known as Nong Hiang in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, approximately 6 kilometers from the district center. The total area is 300 rai, consisting of land donated by devoted supporters to the King and land purchased with the King’s personal funds.

Implementation Method:

1. Project development officers were sent to train in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing at research and training centers in Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen provinces.

2. Initially, the project included 6 families as members, who planted mulberries and raised silkworms under the supervision of the project officers.

3. The project later accepted outside members for training and practical experience, enabling them to apply the knowledge in developing their own local communities.