QSDS joins forces with educational institutions to develop Thai silk patterns

BANGKOK, Nov 17 (TNA) -- Thailand's Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture (QSDS) has collaborated with six educational institutions to develop new patterns for Thai silk, aimed to increase the value of the Thai handmade product. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives Numchai Prommeechai had presided over the signing ceremony of the cooperation between QSDS and six other learning institutions on the development of Thai silk patterns and quality, in which Thai silk would be preserved and developed at the same time in a bid to help increase the value of sericulture products. The six universities are Srinakharinwirot University, Thammasat University, Maha Sarakham University, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI). The integrated cooperation between the QSDS and six education institutions would be focused on the develop of new patterns of and products from Thai silk, as well as encouraged collaboration on the conservation of the Thai products and further development of local wisdom to meet market demands. The agreement would also expand the opportunities for Thai silk to become more modernised and diverse. QSDS Director-General Ms Sudarat Vajragupta Laovichaya, meanwhile, said the project would enhance the knowledge and learning exchanges between farmers and students, in which the farmers would be able to use the ideas and suggestions proposed by the students to create new pattern and add values to their products, which would in turn help attract the younger the generations to become more interested in wearing Thai silk. Apart from generating more income for the farmers, the project would also provide an on-hand experience for the students in learning from the experts in Thai silk productions, which should help create awareness and for the youths to be proud of the tradition and would desire to carry on the culture and tradition to the next generations. (END)