Prachuap textiles promoted in northern Thai cultural event

Prachuap Khiri Khan TAT Office Leads Media leverages ‘soft power’ of Prachuap textiles in Prae culture show

PHRAE PROVINCE: On July 29, 2024, Mr. Aachawan Kongkanan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, led a group of media representatives, the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association, and local business owners on an educational tour to “Local Wisdom Learning Center” in Long District, Phrae Province (อ.ลอง จ.แพร่). The group was welcomed by Mr. Sathaporn Chumchuea, the manager, who guided them through a room converted from an old cinema. The hall featured an array of traditional woven fabrics, ancient textiles from various provinces, and ASEAN traditional attire. Additionally, exhibits included old banknotes, coins, scales for weighing money, timber concession contracts, and an old film projector with a replica cinema room, sewing machines, and barber tables, preserving historical artifacts and traditional wisdom for future generations.

Following this, the group visited the “Komol Antique Silk Museum,” where they were greeted by Mr. Komol Panichpan, the owner. The museum showcased tempera paintings on wooden panels, representing the artistic style of Nan craftsmen and depicting the traditional dress of “Muang Long” women. The museum also featured ancient silk fabrics, over 200 years old, including various styles of tin chok textiles from different regions, such as Mae Chaem, Lai Hin, Nan Noi, Haad Siew, Ratchaburi, and Lao Khrang. These textiles were preserved for both Thai and international tourists to admire.

The visit also highlighted the cultural heritage of Long’s traditional clothing and cuisine. The museum hosted the group with local northern Thai cuisine. Additionally, the TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan office, along with the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association and local vendors, set up a “Thailand Soft Power” booth and participated in a fashion show featuring Hua Hin’s Khomapastr (ผ้าพิมพ์โขมพัสตร์หัวหิน) printed fabrics at Wongsburi House (ที่คุ้มวงศ์บุรี) in Phrae city center as part of efforts to promote Hua Hin textiles, increasing their recognition in other parts of Thailand.