With a reel of silk thread at her feet, this Thai lady is wearing a skirt and blouse of her own making.  A bag of cocoons hanging on the back wall awaits processing.  Silk manufacture in the village of Mahasarakam, eastern Thailand, is a cottage industry.  Each member of the village coop has turned space under their houses, traditionally built upon stilts or now upon concrete foundations, into part of the industry.  Their husbands continue to farm the surrounding land, and the additional income from silk manufacture has provided them with many previously unattainable amenities, including a concrete and brick house.

Thanks for the tour and tea.

BACK