 Almost 15% (105,000) of Ratchburi province’s 700,000 residents have ethnic Thai-Yuan roots. King Rama I ordered an attack in 1804 on Burmese forces in Muang Chiang Saen, in what is now Chiang Rai province, and so 23,000 Thai-Yuan people were safely resettled in different parts of the country, including Ratchaburi.
However, this migrant population has largely been able to preserve many of its traditions, including one with very important vocational aspects – traditional Thai-Yuan weaving.
During the last century, the emergence of high technology and mass production posed a huge threat to these traditions. But with a strong sense of pride in their native wisdom, descendents of the original Thai-Yuan migrants in and around the Kua Bua community and nearby Ratchaburi managed to set up several community projects as a way of trying to ensure that Thai-Yuan culture not only survives, but also thrives.
The Thai-Yuan Agricultural Cooperative, located near the temple of Wat Ku Bua, was established in 1974 with a view to it becoming a center for jok (a form of woven fabric from northern Thailand). A group of elderly Thai-Yuan people saw the potential threat to Thai-Yuan culture and with the cooperation of a group of local women weavers managed to get the co-op up and running. This has been a huge success and now the co-op boasts 200 members.
One of the most stunning successes has been commercial in nature. In 2007, members of the group sold eight million different clothing items in the domestic and international markets, generating almost half a million baht (US$15,863) in income for local people.
The co-op’s fabric is well known for being high in quality and tightly-woven. Members of the group have managed to maintain many of the traditional patterns used, so new and future generations will be able to ensure Thai-Yuan ways continue to live on. The popularity of the fabric is evident in and around Ratchaburi, where you’ll see many women wearing examples of garments made from the cloth.
Keeping the skills alive
Udom Somporn, president of the Thai-Yuan Agricultural Cooperative and the Center for Thai-Yuan Weaving Inheritance, says the community is now trying to reach out to its young people. Their willingness to learn will be crucial in keeping traditions alive over the longer-term.
Inspired by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Udom also managed to organize a school course on Thai-Yuan weaving in Ratchaburi. This has proven to be an astute move as the course attracts up to 200 students per year. While the students have some way to go to get near to the standard of workmanship produced by professional weavers, at least they are playing a key role in keeping the valuable skills alive.
“In this case, it really doesn’t matter whether or not they make any money,” he said.
And while the community is clearly looking to the future, it also clearly values the past.
In 2002, members of the local community went about collecting household utensils, crockery, and other items for inclusion in a Jipathaphan (miscellaneous wares) Museum. Many items date back to the Dvaravati period (6th to 11th centuries).
“Our elders are more than happy to give us items for display in the museum for the sake of their descendants,” Udom said. He said it is important to hang on to such rare items as they are a valuable reminder of the Thai-Yuan community’s history.
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The community is even looking to build up a collection of traditional Thai-Yuan musical instruments so young people can practice after school and during school holidays. The community plans to help young aspiring musicians by hiring them to perform at local fairs.
So while the Thai-Yuan community still faces numerous challenges, it has played an important part not only in creating income from traditional weaving, but also in promoting the province and tourism in the province.
Transport connections:
Car: You can either take Highway 4 and drive due West then southwest straight to Ratchburi province, or take Highway 35 along the coast before switching to Highway 4 to make the short drive northwards.
Train: Trains depart both Bangkok’s main Hualampong Station and Bangkok Noi station in Thonburi. It takes about two hours to reach Ratchaburi province. For further information, call Tel: +66 (0)2 220 4444.
Bus: Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal (also known as Sai Tai Mai) daily. The trip usually takes about two hours.
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Life in Thailand 
Life in Thailand
Thai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
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