Udon Thani:The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is working to transform Northeastern Thai woven fabrics by integrating traditional knowledge with innovation to create a new growth engine. Udon Thani Rajabhat University is actively involved in this initiative, supporting local villagers in developing innovations that leverage local identities to craft internationally appropriate wearable items.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, visited the Textile and Creative Design Center at Udon Thani Rajabhat University. He was accompanied by Mr. Watcharaphol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with the university's administrators, faculty, and staff. They have been supporting local community groups, such as the Ban Tha Khwai community in Mueang District, in producing high-quality indigo-dyed fabrics that reflect Udon Thani's unique identity as a city of woven fabrics.
Professor Dr. Yotsanan highlighted that the development of these fabrics involves building upon cultural values, incorporating natural dyes, and collaborating internationally to modernize the products, thus driving them as a new growth engine. The initiative aims to ensure that the functionality of Thai fabrics meets international standards and makes them suitable for everyday wear.
The initiative includes an exhibition at the Isan Textile Museum, showcasing four zones Isan woven fabrics, the "Under the House Culture of Isan Low-Weave" exhibition, Udon Thani's Khid silk weaving, and the Isan Textile Heritage Exhibition. These exhibitions celebrate the ethnic stories and cultural traditions behind Isan woven textiles and highlight the craftsmanship involved in their production.
The museum, under the FTCDC center, was opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya on February 9, 2025. Her visit included viewing works from 30 community groups and offering guidance, further inspiring the integration of science and innovation in promoting Thai textiles to international standards.