Thai silk fabrics and silk products, as OTOP (One Tambon One Product) merchandise, are becoming more popular, especially in overseas markets.
Evidently, over the past years, Thai silk fabrics and silk products have shown constant increases in export value, estimated at some THB 1 billion for 2006.
The larger revenue is mainly attributed to more systematic support from the government, in particular, through presentations of such products as gifts to visitors of state, and the venue decorations at receptions for foreign dignitaries on different occasions.
Specifically, during the celebrations for the 60th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty the King, which is being held this month, Thai silk fabrics and silk products will become even better known as renowned Thai gold woven silk will be presented to participating royal visitors as a gift during the ceremony.
Besides this, the government has stepped up its promotion of silkworm (larvae) farming and mulberry planting by farmers in order to increase production and develop product quality to meet market demand.
However, Thai silk fabrics and silk products still account for only a small proportion of the world market, making up less than 10 percent of the global total silk fabric and silk product market.
Kaskikorn Research Center (KResearch) views that Thai entrepreneurs should urgently implement improvements in production and marketing strategies to enhance their competitiveness through Cost Advantage or effective cost management, and reduced percentages of low-quality silk pods (cocoons) using advanced technologies.