Activities

Agenda

Study Visit to the People’s Republic of China: Reflections and Lessons Learned
1–4 April 2025

Reflections and Lessons Learned from the Study Visit to China
Shared by “Ms. Suvimon Chidchob”

1. The visit to the China Silk Museum provided a valuable and memorable experience. The museum not only presented the historical narrative of Chinese silk but also showcased the beauty of traditional artistry and long-preserved local wisdom.
2. One of the most impressive aspects was observing the full silk production process—from sericulture and silk reeling to weaving—through both traditional and modern techniques. The display of authentic ancient silk garments further reflected the craftsmanship and meticulous skills of artisans from the past.
3. The study visit offered more than insights into silk; it provided a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, history, and way of life. It served as an inspiration for the importance of preserving traditional arts and instilling pride in national cultural heritage.
4. A walk through the silk street in Suzhou left a lasting impression. The diversity and quality of silk products were remarkable, and the artistic presentation in each shop conveyed the essence of local culture and pride in Chinese craftsmanship.
5. The visit to the Suzhou Silk Museum was particularly noteworthy. The exhibits detailed the history and production of silk, from raw materials and tools to traditional weaving techniques, reflecting the finesse and inherited knowledge of local artisans. It enabled a comprehensive appreciation of Chinese culture through silk.
6. A highlight at the Suzhou Silk Museum was witnessing a hands-on learning activity conducted by teachers for students, offering close engagement with the process of sericulture. This practical exposure enhanced the understanding of each step and emphasized the importance of preserving traditional wisdom.
7. A visit to JILI Silk Factory revealed the meticulous process of extracting silk threads from cocoons to create comforters, demonstrating the patience and precision required. Various silk products such as scarves, garments, and sleep masks were of high quality and aesthetic appeal, enhancing appreciation for the value of silk and the dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship.
8. The Suzhou Silk Museum effectively narrated the sericulture journey—from mulberry cultivation to silk rearing—using visual aids, interactive materials, and live exhibits. This approach offered profound insights into the harmony between nature and traditional livelihoods, underscoring the value of refined indigenous knowledge.
9. Observations in Hangzhou and Suzhou highlighted a systematic development of the silk industry, integrating local knowledge with modern technology. These approaches could be adapted in Thailand to enhance quality mulberry cultivation and silk production among local farmers. Establishing local learning centers or silk museums could promote cultural education, tourism, and sustainable community income.
10. The Chinese silk industry has been built upon storytelling from its origins to the present, weaving narratives throughout the production and export process. In contrast, similar storytelling is lacking in the Thai sericulture context. The study visit inspired the development of narrative components in every stage of local silk production, enhancing the cultural identity of villages such as Phaya Ram in Surin Province.

Report by Ms. Bussabong Phukongchai

Ms. Bussabong Phukongchai, Director of the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center, Buriram Province, extends sincere appreciation to the Khwan Chumchon Foundation, Surin Province, for the opportunity to join the study visit. The benefits derived from this visit include:

Insights into China’s documentation practices, which support continuous learning, improvement, and development. At the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou, detailed presentations on the origins and evolution of silk, live demonstrations of silk weaving skills, displays of mulberry plantations, and silkworms at different stages illustrated the subject vividly beyond textual information.

The presence of silk and souvenir shops within the museum instilled confidence in consumers regarding the authenticity and quality of products.

A wide variety of silk-based products met diverse consumer needs in both usage and pricing categories—ranging from affordable scarves, sleepwear, and underwear to premium silk comforters. In comparison, Thailand’s production volume and product diversity remain limited. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is necessary to advance and diversify silk product offerings.

Memorable Observations:

Designated lanes for bicycles and motorbikes are found throughout urban areas, supported by citywide public bike and e-bike rental systems. These services promote convenience in short-distance travel, energy conservation, pollution reduction, and physical activity.

Urban planning was exemplary, with clean, orderly spaces and aesthetically pleasing landscapes.

Meaningful connections and mutual support were shared among fellow participants throughout the trip.

Reflections from Director Samaporn Khongkhuan

1. Visiting a country recognized as the origin of sericulture and one of the world’s major producers of silk and silk products offered a profound experience.
2. Witnessing the development, cleanliness, and orderly nature of China challenged common preconceived notions regarding hygiene and public behavior, such as public spitting or unpleasant odors in public restrooms.
3. Environmental stewardship was evident in urban planning, including the care of trees, provision of public parks, the use of clean energy, and a widely available bicycle rental service, all contributing to a sustainable lifestyle.
4. Centralized marketplaces featuring garments and silk-based products revealed designs tailored to seasonal conditions, reflecting a strong integration of textile innovation and commercial aesthetics.
5. Architectural preservation and the retention of traditional lifestyles and culinary heritage were found alongside the advancement of contemporary infrastructure and design, illustrating balanced development.
6. China’s climate is comparable to that of Europe, complemented by scenic natural resources. This factor contributes to an increasing preference among Thai tourists to travel to China rather than to European destinations.
7. There remain limited opportunities to observe silk production processes in real-time at designated sites.
8. It is recommended that future study visits include integrated silk learning centers that offer a comprehensive experience covering all aspects of silk-related activities.
9. Availability of guided explanations at key learning destinations would greatly enhance the understanding of processes and context.
10. Appreciation is extended to UNDP for prioritizing and funding the development of Thailand’s sericulture sector, and to Ajarn Or and the project team for their commitment to meaningful initiatives.

Reflections by Ms. Yothaka Boonmak

Participation in the study visit organized by the Khwan Chumchon Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), coordinated by Ajarn Orawan Yafa and team, marked the second international learning journey. Each destination presented distinct value shaped by geographical and climatic conditions. The experience offered cultural exposure, insights into traditions, and a view of advanced economic and industrial development. Contrary to common perceptions influenced by media coverage, the actual conditions in China—particularly the cleanliness and discipline of its people—demonstrated a level of urban management that often surpasses expectations. Like all nations, both positive and negative elements coexist, depending on the location and context encountered.

This study visit yielded valuable lessons, encompassing both strengths and areas for improvement, as well as reflections on what might be possible or unfeasible in a Thai context. Above all, the experience served as inspiration and motivation to realize shared goals through collaboration among multiple sectors. Success will depend on a unified purpose, strategic planning, implementation capacity, and the ability to mobilize support from relevant stakeholders.

Overall Strengths Observed During the Study Visit:

China’s climate was notably favorable—cool and temperate—which contributed positively to daily living conditions and facilitated better preservation of museum exhibits and learning centers. Environmental factors had minimal impact on the conservation of historical materials, particularly silk textiles. Facilities demonstrated careful regulation of temperature, lighting, and humidity to protect delicate artifacts, a standard upheld across most historic sites.

Strict adherence to laws and regulations, along with centralized governance, enabled effective public order and administrative control. The government exercised sole authority in decision-making and resource allocation, resulting in streamlined national development efforts.

Extensive efforts to preserve historical artifacts, tools, and materials were evident across cities. These preservation initiatives support both tourism and education while enhancing the cultural distinctiveness of each locality. Emphasis on identity and heritage drew global attention.

China’s economic expansion and world-class transportation infrastructure enabled the creation of global tourism landmarks. The capacity to replicate and adapt models from around the world was matched by bold and rapid development, positioning China as a global leader in industrial innovation. Observations suggested a developmental gap of approximately a decade between China and Thailand.

A lighter moment from the experience revealed that beer prices in China were significantly lower than in Thailand, while drinking water was more expensive. The journey also provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with Mandarin Chinese after a 29-year hiatus, further broadening linguistic and cultural horizons.

Areas for Improvement Noted:

In terms of materials, tools, and silk-related exhibits, Thailand appears better equipped to present a comprehensive narrative of the Silk Road. However, insufficient prioritization of public sericulture museums has led to a perception of underdevelopment. Most available displays are limited to private-sector initiatives.

Smoking remains socially acceptable in public spaces in China, which contrasts sharply with Thai norms and presents discomfort for Thai visitors.

Loud public conversations, commonly accepted in Chinese culture, were perceived by Thai participants as lacking decorum.

The overall cost of living appeared relatively high compared to the Thai baht.

Restrictions on property ownership and limited personal freedoms—particularly in relation to land rights—highlighted the lack of full autonomy.

General Summary:

Gratitude is extended to Ajarn Orawan and the organizing team for facilitating this opportunity. The delegation included members from diverse sectors—journalists, representatives of the Khwan Chumchon Foundation, directors of sericulture centers and zones, and one active mulberry farmer. Despite varied backgrounds, all participants shared a common goal: to realize collective aspirations and translate visions into actionable outcomes. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for the Department of Sericulture to establish a tangible and unified national museum that consolidates regional silk identities—materials, tools, and fabrics—into a central site for education and applied learning.

Achieving such an initiative will require multi-sector collaboration and shared commitment. While playing only a modest role in a larger system, readiness to contribute ideas, efforts, and ongoing support remains unwavering.

Special thanks are conveyed to fellow participants for the camaraderie and mutual care, especially during times of illness. Appreciation is also extended to UNDP for making this initiative possible, and to Ajarn Orawan for granting access to an invaluable opportunity.

1. Each country visited offers unique value shaped by geography and climate. In the case of China, rapid economic and industrial development was evident.
2. Misconceptions about hygiene were corrected by direct observation of cleanliness, urban discipline, and well-maintained public spaces.
3. The study visit fostered reflection on what could or could not be adapted in the Thai context. It also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration with shared goals and effective resource mobilization.
4. China’s favorable climate enhances the preservation of historical textiles, especially silk. Museums demonstrated exceptional environmental control standards.
5. Strong legal frameworks and centralized authority allow for efficient governance, budget allocation, and national development.
6. Historical preservation and distinctive city identities were emphasized through the maintenance of artifacts and educational tourism.
7. Advanced transportation and industrial infrastructure support China’s tourism leadership, with the ability to replicate and innovate on a global scale.
8. An unexpected observation included lower beer prices compared to Thailand, alongside higher costs for drinking water.
9. The visit offered an opportunity to reengage with Mandarin Chinese after nearly three decades.
10. Observations suggest Thailand holds advantages in materials and tools for silk production but lacks integrated national museums and infrastructure.
11. Cultural habits such as smoking and loud speech may contrast with Thai norms and require cultural sensitivity.
12. Challenges include higher living costs and restricted freedoms in property ownership and civil liberties.

Lessons from Ms. Supaporn Thongsook

1. The China Silk Museum showcased the full narrative of silk production, including mulberry plots, innovation buildings, and silk fashion centers.
2. A highlight was the children’s workshop on the art and history of silk.
3. At the Suzhou Silk Museum, the historical presentation extended beyond Suzhou to include provincial-level weaving tools and technologies, displayed through immersive and interactive formats.
4. The modern fashion design facility demonstrated the integration of silk with contemporary art, including historical storytelling of the Silk Road through ancient scripts and illustrations.
5. The Chinese government’s commitment to preserving and evolving its indigenous knowledge was clearly observed through the use of advanced technologies in museum experiences.
6. Collaboration opportunities with silk-processing companies in Suzhou could enhance the value and market positioning of Thai silk. Existing successful models in China offer practical references. Feasibility assessments are needed for provinces such as Surin and Buriram to determine the strength and scalability of local value chains. This topic presents an opportunity for the Khwan Chumchon Foundation to undertake a dedicated study.

Concept Note

Reviving Thai Silk Heritage through Innovation and Community Empowerment

A Joint Community Adaptation Plan Inspired by the China Silk Study Tour

Background and Rationale

Thailand’s silk industry, once a symbol of national identity and soft power, faces challenges in preserving traditional craftsmanship, adapting to modern markets, and sustaining rural livelihoods. While communities in provinces such as Surin and Buriram possess generational knowledge of sericulture, there is a lack of systemic integration across production, innovation, education, and cultural promotion.

A recent study visit to China (1–4 April 2025) coordinated by the Khwan Chumchon Foundation and UNDP revealed key lessons from China's advanced silk sector. Chinese models showcased how the fusion of heritage conservation, technological advancement, education, and tourism can revitalize local economies and elevate cultural products to global standards.

This concept note proposes a joint community adaptation plan to localize those lessons, aiming to enhance Thailand’s silk value chain through multi-sector collaboration and community-driven transformation.