The Central Region of Thailand covers the Chao Phraya River Basin area and extends from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in the south to Nakhon Sawan Province in the north. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is situated in this area and is the seat of the Royal House of Chakri which was established by King Rama I at the commencement of the Ratanakosin period in 1782 A.D.

During the early reigns of the Royal House of Chakri, the difference between court and village textiles was extreme. The court imported their textiles from China, India and Persia. Special textiles were also ordered from the various tributary states which were required to pay tribute to the Siamese monarch. These include Cambodia, Laos, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pattani. During the reigns of King Rama I – IV (1782 – 1868 A.D.), various Tai groups were relocated from different areas into the Central Region. Among them were the Tai Yuan from Chiang Saen in the Upper Northern and the Tai Phuan, Lao Khrang and Lao Song from northern and central Laos. These groups were settled in villages and continued their tradition of weaving techniques and patterns. However, apart from the plain and checked cottons that still exist today, nothing is known of the types of textiles made by the Siamese during that period.
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During the reign of King Rama V (1868 – 1910 A.D.), many important changes in social structures were made. Slavery was abolished and weaving, among other local industries and handicrafts, was developed. It was during this period that Cambodia was taken over the French after having been under Siamese suzerainty since 1431 A.D. This, together with the growing importance in Asia, brought changes of influence from Indian/Khmer to Western standards in law, education and dress. Trade between European countries and Thailand was given more freedom, bringing to the Thai market a great variety of western fabrics which were made available to the general public. The trade in all imported items was controlled by the King and was a source of high revenue.
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In 1932 A.D., during the reign of King Rama VII (1925-1935 A.D.) the monarchy changed to a constitutional monarchy. Development of textiles and western  tastes accelerated with the new standards in dress set by Field Marshal P. Pibulsonggram between 1938-1944 A.D. Traditional costumes, which were regarded as uncivilized, were discourage and western role models were adopted as a sign of civilization. This led to a decline in the use of traditional textiles in the central area and to the growth of an attitude that traditional textiles were outdated and were to be used only by the poor.

This attitude changed with the promotion of traditional Thai textiles by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Through her gracious patronage the weavers of Thailand can create their careful labors of love which are their national heritage and continue the traditions without scorn. The raising of social consciousness to the rescue of Thai textiles has resulted in a cultural revival in many villages which has in turn put an international focus on the history and roots of Thai culture.
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