This afternoon, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand visited an exhibition highlighting Thai textile heritage and community handicrafts at the Praewa Silk Weaving Arts and Crafts Centre Cooperative of Ban Phon in Kalasin Province.

The cooperative was originally established under the royal initiative of the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, in order to preserve the traditional Praewa silk weaving of the Phu Thai community. Praewa silk, long associated with northeastern Thailand, is widely regarded as one of the most refined regional textile traditions of the country. Historically worn as ceremonial shawls, the textiles are distinguished by intricate supplementary weft patterns created through highly skilled hand-weaving techniques passed down through generations.

The royal patronage of local crafts formed a central component of the late Queen Sirikit’s cultural initiatives during the 20th century. Through programs associated with the SUPPORT Foundation, rural weaving traditions across Thailand were documented, preserved, and adapted for contemporary markets. These initiatives helped transform village handicrafts into sustainable economic activities while safeguarding regional cultural identities.

During her visit to Ban Phon, the Princess viewed the work of 30 artisan groups presenting Thai textile traditions and community handicrafts. Many of the groups specialized in Praewa silk weaving and other regional textiles produced in Kalasin and neighboring communities.

The Princess also visited local weaving households within the community, where artisans demonstrated the production process, from silk preparation to the weaving of complex decorative patterns. These demonstrations highlighted both the technical sophistication of the craft and its deep connection to the cultural heritage of the Phu Thai people.

In recent years, Princess Sirivannavari has actively promoted initiatives encouraging the wider use of Thai textiles through contemporary fashion design and sustainable production practices. These initiatives emphasize the integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern design, as well as environmentally responsible methods such as natural dyeing and the cultivation of mulberry trees for silkworm farming.

At the end of the visit, the Princess attended a cultural performance presented by community groups and students from several educational institutions. The performance celebrated the artistic traditions of the Phu Thai people and reflected the enduring influence of royal patronage in sustaining Thailand’s regional textile heritage.