Bankrua

This discreet canal-side community is where you can still glimpse the remaining vestiges of old Bangkok from the early Rattanakosin era. Located across the Klong Sansaeb waterway down the end of Soi Kasemsan 2, Bankrua was once home to more than 300 individual weavers that supplied wonderful colored silk textiles for globally famous Thai silk brand Jim Thompson when Thompson himself was still in charge. However, when the American entrepreneur disappeared in 1967, the silk company relocated its production hub to Pakthongchai, Nakhonratchasima eventually causing the silk production industry in Bankrua to decline. The spotlight faded and weavers moved out, leaving behind only two shops to carry on the business of silk weaving and dyeing. Visitors are welcome at both locations.