วันเสาร์ที่ 13 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2553

Jim Thompson Farm: A Closer Look at Silk Production Expertise

Jim Thompson Farm: A Closer Look at Silk Production Expertise
UPDATE : 23 December 2009


Maneeya Dhammataree

Jim Thompson has been developing since 1988 silk production within a farming community located at the foot of the Phryaphab Hills, a bamboo forested area near Lam Samlai Reservoir in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat).

Renowned for its production of silk for generations, the community is located within a 721-rai (115-hectare) plot in the district of Pak Thong Chai, an area where silk production is being actively promoted.

Established with the objective of cultivating mulberry and raising silkworm eggs and cocoons, the development center can also support the supply of silkworm eggs to other mulberry farmers.

Since 1988, a small community has developed within the district. The growers are permitted to cultivate other crops as well as mulberry, such as rice and organic fruits and vegetables, including pumpkins and tomatoes, and produce flora and fauna as a way of earning an income.


Cultural insights
With its mulberry and silkworm farms, the Jim Thompson farm has become an attraction for tourists, providing a positive example of multi crop cultivation and representing aspects of the cultural heritages of both Isan and Khorat.

No time like the present
The farm is open to the public for tours like this during a restricted period of the year December 19, 2009 - January 10, 2010, so, as the old saying goes, there is no time like the present.

The farm focuses on the promotion of agriculture on the Isan plateau, along with the cultural attributes of Khorat. Entrance is 50 baht (US$1.50) for adults and 20 baht for children.


Tractors are put to good use by towing converted trailers that act as a shuttle service, ferrying visitors around four locations within the farm.


The first stop features plots of cherry tomato plants and boasts a stunning view of the Phrayaprab Hills. There are also plots where mulberry and Crotalaria juncea are being cultivated, the latter used to produce organic fertilizer for the mulberry crops. The nicest thing about this stop is you can check out the freshness of the tomatoes in such beautiful surroundings.

The second station focuses on pumpkins and you’ll get to see various varieties. You may want to take a few snaps of some of the odd-shaped examples found here.

Combining the two ancient towns or Khorat and Sema, Nakon Ratchasima was established during the reign of King Narai the Great (1656-1688). These days it is often referred to as Khorat, and it is widely known as the gate to the culture and traditions of the northeast.

The tour’s third stop features important examples of the local wisdom and traditions from Isan and Khorat.


You will also find lots of different kinds of toys produced here from natural materials sourced locally. Moreover, there are demonstrations of traditional performances, handicrafts, and traditional rice farming methods. Examples of the various architectural features of Khorat-style homes can also be found here.

The fourth and final station is more commercial, featuring products for sale, including fresh vegetables grown using hydroponics, as well as mulberry tea, silk and silk goods produced by growers from the Pak Thong Chai community.

There are plenty of interesting places along the way, where you should be able to get some snaps of various attractions, such as colorful, natural surroundings, including a sunflower crop.

The farm opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For further information, call Tel: +66 (0)2 762 2566.

Transport connections:
Car: Take Highway 2 from Bangkok to Sikiew district in Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), a journey of about 214 km. Switch to Highway 24 for a 12-km stretch. Turn right onto local routes 1021 and 2072, respectively. This final leg of the journey covers about 30 km.

source : manager.co.th
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