Ban Kang Pla Thai Loei Fabric Weaving Group

The Thai Loei Ban Kang Pla Weaving Group is a community cotton-weaving cooperative run by Thai Loei (ไทเลย) women at house 177, Moo 9, Ban Kang Pla village, Chaiyaphruek subdistrict — about 3 km from Loei town on the main road toward Chiang Khan. Cotton growing and handloom weaving have been the village’s primary occupation for generations, with skills passed down within families.

The group’s signature is cotton cloth woven with silver and gold metallic thread, a technique the community has built into a recognised identity for Loei province textiles, distinct from plainer cotton weaving found elsewhere in the region.

Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday morning if you want to see the full process rather than just the loom work — cotton ginning, spinning, and winding onto bobbins all happen in the same courtyard before the weaving itself starts.

Visitors are welcome to watch weavers at their traditional wooden looms in the open courtyard, where work typically runs from around 08:00 to 16:00. The finished cloth is made into sarongs, shirts, dresses, scarves, and handbags, all available for purchase directly from the group. When the cooperative receives larger orders, multiple households in the village contribute to fulfil them, sharing the income among participants.

Watch out: This is a working village cooperative, not a staged demonstration — some days the looms are quiet if weavers are occupied with other village work. Calling ahead on 0 4283 5104 is worth doing if you’re making a special trip.

The workshop is straightforward to reach from Loei town — drive a few kilometres north on the Loei–Chiang Khan road and look for the turning on the right. Bring cash for purchases; buying directly supports the artisans. Entry is free. Loei Museum and the Loei Cultural Center, both back in Mueang Loei district, cover the wider textile and hill-tribe heritage this weaving group is part of.