| Around 5 millenniums ago, Chinese Empress Si Ling-Chi | | | | immersing the skeins in hydrogen peroxide. Before the |
| discovered silk by a fluke. Si Ling-Chi developed the | | | | weaving process, the raw silk is again soaked in hot |
| sericulture, the science of silk production, and also | | | | water and dyed in vibrant colours. Weaving is done |
| introduced silk garments to the world. Thousands of | | | | using traditional handloom methods, after washing and |
| years later it was spread across the world, including | | | | drying the silk yarn. |
| Thailand. Thai silk industry dates back to some 3000 | | | | Unlike other types of silk, Thai silk have special |
| years, according to the archaeological discoveries. | | | | attributes that defines its prominence. The special |
| Whereas the oldest evidence for Thai silk is reported | | | | lustre of Thai silk comes from its triangular shaped |
| from Baan Chiang, a heritage site in Udon Thani | | | | fibres, reflecting an iridescent similar to a prism. The |
| Province. | | | | sheen and lustre of the silk also changes alluringly |
| Towards the northeast of Thailand is the Khorat | | | | according to the angle and the reflection of light. To |
| Plateau, popular for being the country’s hub of silk | | | | authenticate the quality of Thai silk, the fabrics are also |
| industry. From raising the silkworms called Bombyx | | | | given a special peacock emblem. The peacock |
| mori, to weaving graceful silk fabrics, Khorat Plateau | | | | emblem has a range of colours such as gold, silver, |
| oversees the silk production and also supplies rose silk | | | | blue and green symbolizing its production method, |
| since many years. At present, Thai silk is acclaimed as | | | | quality and authenticity. |
| the finest fabric in the world. | | | | Products made from Thai silk are handbags, |
| Bombyx mori silkworm is hatched from the silk | | | | handkerchiefs, neckties, readymade clothes, scarves |
| moth’s eggs and they feed on mulberry leaves. | | | | and even photo frames. Travellers to Bangkok can |
| After feasting on the leaves the silkworm spin a fluffy | | | | find these rich silk products at any popular shopping |
| cocoon using their spittle. The colours of the cocoon | | | | mall, silk fabric shop, department store, shopping plaza |
| vary from pastel green to light gold, while the total | | | | as well as in the nearby Chiang Mai City. Visitors can |
| length of its fibrils spans from 500 to 1500 yards. It is | | | | find comfortable lodging at a cosy Bangkok apartment |
| soaked in boiling water to separate the fibrils. | | | | such as those available at Bangkok President Park, a |
| It takes several fibrils to produce one fine silk thread | | | | Bangkok service apartment complex. Visitors can take |
| strong enough for weaving. Some use machines while | | | | pleasure in a delightful shopping extravaganza while |
| a majority use hand-reeling to produce these raw silk | | | | gaining an insight into the art of Thai silk production. |
| thread. Its natural yellowish colour is removed by | | | | |