Home Fashion Update Surin : The Pha hole birthplace.
Surin : The Pha hole birthplace.
In the past, when people came to Surin, they always said "Pai Surin Pai Kin Sura". This means that if you go to Surin you have to try the traditional alcohol. Because, Surin is very well- known as a land of alcohol and the drinker champion. But, n
Surin is one of the north eastern province of Thailand. It was originally an important part of the khmer Empire (Present day Cambodia), only the temple ruins from that time remain. Surin appeared since the khmer was in the power. Then, in 1763 Luang Surin Phakdi, the former leader of Muang Ti village had established the new city at Ban Khoo Pra Thai (Present day Chom Sudthawad Temple). It is 16 kilometres far from Surin city.

Surin was leave as the deserted town until the King Rama I came and designate Luang Pra Surin Phakdi Narong Changwang as the ruler in1786. Then the King turned the city name from Pathai Saman to Surin following the rank of the first ruler's name.

Although in the former time, it was known as the land of the drunk, nowadays Surin is home to the number of elephants. Therefore elephants became the symbol of this city.

If you are the one who love this giant life and want to see a number of them, you can come here. There will be the Surin elephant fair held on November of
every year. Here you will enjoy with many elephant shows, such as elephant soccer and an unusual game of tug - of - war : one large elephant pits his strength a gainst 100 strong men. Due to Surin elephants are skillful and bright, they are well taught and sent to every region of Thailand.

Today, there is an elephant village at Ban Ta Klang (in Tambon Krapho, Amphoe Thatum). The village is established as the information center of elephant, elephant trainer and culture. So, to learn more about elephant life style, Surin won't disappoint you.

In addition, Surin is home to "Pha Hole", a kind of Thai silk that received from Khmer and becomes one of symbol to Surin in this day. Pha Hole or Hole cloth is made (woven) of only silk and usually dye with natural color. This, normally of gray, red, white, green and yello colors.

Pha hole is woven so tightly that it can hold water on its surface. Due to its soft and comfort to wear, Pha hole is very popular here. Surin people always give Pha hole to their favorite heir, as it is very difficult and time - con – summing to make. Villagers always use Pha hole only during special occasions such as wedding, and merit making ceremony. For someone who would like to buy this fabric, you can go to Ban Na Tang and Ban Khwao Sinarin (King Amphoe Khwao Sinarin). There, you will find and satisfy with a number of excellent Pha hole. If you have a short time here, there are silk shop available in Surin city.

For someone who would like to learn whole of Pha hole manufacturing, you should go to Surin Sericulture Research Center, Sericulture Research Institute, Department of Agriculture. Here you will please with agricultural activities, Thai silk museum and natural library. Besides these, the visitors can learn how Surin people dye their fabric at Thai style home.

There is a presentation of Surin people dying by using the natural color. Red comes from lac, blue from Indigofera tinctoria and yellow from Maclura cochinchinensis or turmeric.

Surin people always dye each color, they will dye another color if the first one dried. Generally, Pha hole always dye in 5 colors, reddish gold, yellowish gold, green, light blue and purple.

In addition, there is the exhibition of Surin traditional cloth such as Pha Sa Khoo, Pha Sa Mo, Pha Un Loon Siam, Pha Hole (is Mat Mi cloth that dying with natural color. This is woven with 7 shuttles) and Pha Am Prom.

It is said that Pha Am Prom had appeared over 2,000 years ago and looks more like the star light in the dark night.

By the cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Department of Agriculture, all visitors will enjoy with the complete E-co tour in nearly time. This also includes the original Thai mulberry growing and the exquisite scenery.

So, if you have a chance to visit the land of elephants, please not to forget the Surin Sericulture Research Center. It is situated on the Surin - Krasang - Buriram road and only 3.5 kilometres far from Surin city.

Source :
Virot Kaewrueng
Sericulture Research Institute