Songkhla: The Koh Yo weaving group is overjoyed! They are preparing to present a blue-purple "Rajawat pattern" woven fabric to the Cabinet for them to wear at the mobile Cabinet meeting, hoping to raise awareness about preserving local wisdom.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wichai Marasena, chairman of the Rajawat Saengsongla Weaving Group No. 1, expressed his pride in preparing Koh Yo woven fabric to be presented to the Cabinet during the mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla Province. The group chose to weave the "Rajawat" pattern, a distinctive design considered the provincial pattern of Songkhla. This pattern has a long history; originally known as "Kon Nok Khao" or "Kan Yaeng" (mountain vine pattern), it was given the new name "Rajawat" during the visit of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to the South in 1900, over 126 years ago. For this special occasion, the group intentionally chose a bluish-purple color, the color of the Prime Minister, to be incorporated into the fabric.
Regarding the production process, although the initial preparation of the loom takes about 7 days, the group can begin weaving immediately because they have rolls of fabric prepared in advance. Currently, their production capacity is about 3 meters per day, which is the perfect length for making one shirt.
Mr. Wichai also expressed his feelings about the Rajawat fabric pattern being selected for use in the mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla Province, saying he was very happy and proud to showcase the local craftsmanship and wisdom of Koh Yo. He stated that national leaders wearing Koh Yo woven fabric serves as an important role model and a voice in communicating the community's unique identity to a wider audience, which in turn creates jobs and income for the villagers.
The president of the Ratchawat weaving group stated that the number of people interested in local weaving is decreasing, with fewer than 60 people left to carry on the tradition. The main reasons are a lack of consistent support and the influx of factory-made fabrics from other areas. However, the group remains steadfast and committed to being a leader and example in preserving local handicrafts, providing villagers with supplementary income and, most importantly, attracting younger generations to learn and build upon this centuries-old tradition of Koh Yo weaving, ensuring its sustainable presence in the community.