Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The history of the export of Thai silk during the twentieth century has been one of great ups and downs, and is often clouded by inaccurate of nonexistent data. For instance, export figures for finished silk do no exist untill the post-war years, but earlier data concerning export of raw silk will suffice to illustrate the industry’s plunges. While in 1990, raw silk worth 141,468 baht was exported, in the 1930′s this figure fell to less than 500 baht. Similarly, the export of Thai silk has undergone similar fluctuations since it began to figure prominently around 1950, when half a million baht was earned in foreign export.

During the 1950′s, Thai silk followed a rather steady upswing and then leapt in the early 1960′s into the 20 to 30 million baht per year rang. This can be attributed to promotion of the fabric by Her Majesty the Queen, who included dresses fashioned of Thai silk in her world tour wardrobe in 1961. By the following year, 1962, export of Thai silk was earning 26.6 million baht per year. This figure further increased in 1963 to 34 million baht, a gigantic leap from the figures of the 50′s all considerably below ten million baht.

Apart from earning much-needed foreign exchange for the country and aiding in decreasing Thailand’s overall trade deficit, the export of Thai silk figures prominently in other areas. It is, for instance, instrumental in the development of the underdeveloged and underemployed Northern region, where very limited sericultural techniques and little marketing knowledge are gradually being eradicated by technical programs and instructional aid. The growing demand for Thai silk throughout the world can not help but improve the methods and lives of the individual growers and weavers throughout Thailand.

Undoubtedly one of the most stunning and unique textile products available in the world, it has been said the Thai silk is one of Thailand’s most effective ambassadors of goodwill abroad. Carried by most of the leading department stores in America and Europe, and gaining acceptance in other areas of the world, Thai silk implants the name Thailand in the minds of those who choose to wear it and women in over 50 countries of the world corrently do. It also introduces the country itself in the great fashion centers of the world, since leading designers — including Pierre Balmain and Elizabeth Arden– feature it in their collections.

With the efforts of the Government, including the Silk Promotion Committee, and the great strides being made at sericultural research centers such as the one at Korat, improved worm strains and eradication of disease do indeed point to a bright future for the export of Thai silk. As tourism is now the number two industry in Thailand, the “invisible export” of the approximately 180 million baht worth of Thai silk bought annually by tourists must not be neglected either. All these factors combined indicate a sound future for the industry, increased earnings for the nation, the enhancement of the Thai reputation world-wide, — and perhaps most important of all — the economic development of the underprivileged Northern and improved standard of living for the tens of thousands involved in sericulture throughout the region.

All around the globe steel art is now another name for awesome creativity and aesthetics. World famous designers are using stainless steel sculptures and figures in both exterior and interior designs of architecture. Thailand is making a name in the international arena in making steel arts. Many Thai online sites showcase their craftsmanship in the form of Alien, Star Wars characters, Predator, and so on. These are made from scrap metal and are freestanding.

The development of the industry started about 15 years ago. Small and very basic models were being made by independent artists using wire, bolts and nuts. Stick figures, motorcycles and animal models were being made. This was but a hobby and there was no commercial intention behind the creation of these figures, they were just a way of spending time for 12 craftsmen. After the appearance of the first Predator movie in 1987, this industry experienced its first growth. The artists were by this time adept at basic models and were seeking challenge. So they decided to work together to create a Predator statue, made from scrap metal.

The Thailand manufacturing industry for the creation of metal sculptures could only grow so fast because there was a lot of cheap scrap metal. These were sourced from Ford Thailand, scrap yards, boat manufacturers, military suppliers etc. 5 artists together mad the first Predator, which was 1.5 meters high and took four months. 20 workers also volunteered time to complete this statue. At that time no internet existed, and there were no computer designing, digital photography. The entire design was made from one photo and this was just a poster of the Predator which was imported from USA.

Artists had no design ideas, and no plans on how to start construction. The work was basically a social activity. A three dimensional frame was made from wires and artists searched through the masses of scrap metals and discussed which parts would look good on the statue. Drinking was as much a part of the event as was construction. The artist voted to complete the job if anyone thought there were improvements to be made.

The finished statue was not sold but passed between the people who made it. Finally it was donated to charity. But the legacy that was born never ceased to exist. Now it is a bit difficult to get the workers with skill and team spirit. But once such a group is assembled, they work with a great sense of family spirit. They share the glory of making a statue and are happy to assist each other. Thailand has developed a great hand crafted steel works industry.There are many people involved in this business and they are getting great offers as well. For example, the Art From Steel, Thailand’s largest manufacturer of steel art, gets regular offers to make factories replica, Alien V’s Predator bar furniture, symbols and gift items.