Ban krua or Baan Krua is the village alongside the Maharat canal. This hamlet has been well-known for its precious silk fabric since Jim Thompson set up his silk shop and sold the silk from this village.
The history of ban krua silk skill can be traced back more than 200 years. In the reign of King Rama 1st during the Nine-Troop War, Cham people, who immigrated from Cambodia, volunteered for the war and were victorious. The King rewarded them with a piece of land on the bank of Klong Maharat. These people brought a skill for silk weaving and fishing. However they only made use of these skills in their daily life.
Over 50 years ago, Jim Thompson visited Ban Krua Village, and saw the silk made in this area. He was impressed by the unique hand-made silk. He improved the silk process by using the loom and developed the design and pattern. Since then the high quality of Thai silk was promoted internationally. At that time, every household in this community made silk as a means of living. Mr. Thompson ordered a large quantity to export worldwide. Silk from this community is known for its unique color.
The mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson led to the plunge in silk weaving in this area. Most of them found other jobs. Now it only has a few houses still producing silk.