The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage

The hand-woven textiles of Uthai Thani and Chainat provinces are distinct in their color and design. The weavers belong to the Tai Viang, Tai Khang, and Tai Ka ethnic groups whose ancestors originated from present-day Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Xiang Khuang provinces, Laos, and were settled in Thailand during the 19th century. These groups have preserved their traditional culture, including weaving. Exposure to other weaving styles of neighboring groups in their new home, the weavers developed a distinct look, combining techniques, patterns and color combinations with their own. The skirts of these Thai groups are distinct with their red borders. This trip is an opportunity to visit homes, workshops, and museums of ward-winning weavers. We will observe traditional life and see demonstrations of weaving and natural dyeing. We will rest at the ultra-modern Avatar Spa (http://www.avataarange.com/); please visit their website. In addition to visiting a rural setting the bus will stop at the 100 year old Sam Chuk market to add variety to traditional lifestyle. Chinese merchants have settled along Thailand’s waterways to trade a variety of goods. We will step back in time as we stroll through the market. The tentative programs will be as follows:

Day 1: Saturday, 13 December 2008

7:30 a.m.	Depart the Siam Society for Suphanburi and Chainat provinces by bus
11:00 a.m.	Visit the Old Saam Chuk Market (100 year old market) at Saam Chuk District, Suphanburi Province
-	Lunch at Saam Chuk Market
12:30 p.m.	Proceed to Noen Khaam District, Chainat Province
1:30 p.m	Visit the Tai Khang Traditional Textiles Museum to view antique textiles and and weaving in nearby villages
-	Proceed to Baan Rai District, Uthai Thani
-	Visit Phaa Thang Tai Viang Cultural Village to view antique textiles, natural dye and handspun cotton weaving demonstrations, and traditional lifestyle
Evening:	Dinner and Overnight and Resort, Baan Rai District, Uthai Thani Province

Day 2: Sunday, 14 December 2008

7:00 a.m.	Breakfast at the resort
8:00 a.m.	Proceed to Paa Champi’s Textile Museum to view creations of this award-winning weaver and shop at weaving co-ops in nearby villages
11:00 a.m.	Depart for Muang district of Uthai Thani
Noon:	Lunch at local restaurant in Uthai Thani
1:30 p.m.	Proceed to Thap Than District to visit naturally dyed silk weaving and a traditional textile display at village temple
Late afternoon:	Depart for Bangkok
7:00 p.m.	Arrive at the Siam Society

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Each participants are asked to contribute 6,650 baht (1,000 baht extra for non-members) to cover transportation, 4 meals, entrance fees to museums, hotel accommodation for 1 night (2 persons per room) and donation to the Siam Society. Please add 2,000 baht for single room.

Siam Society Events

December 13 - 14, 2008:
Textiles Discovery

For further information and bookings please contact

Siam Society Events

December 13 - 14, 2008:Textiles Discovery

For further information and bookings please contact

December 13 - 14, 2008:
Textiles Discovery