During the early Ratanakosin Period, there were two Royal
Silk-Weaving factories-one close to Chang Rong Si Bridge by the
former city's moat and the other in the vicinity of the Wang Na's
(The Vice King) Royal Residence. The first one was shut down in the
reign of King Nang Klao (Rama III). The latter was commissioned to
weave material for royal attire and the Sompal Brocade, a kind of
silk fabric to be presented to members of the Royal Family and high
ranking officials. The operation was supervised by ChaoKhun Ying
Pao, a daughter of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Phichaiyat, who
had been in officefrom the reign of King Mongkut to thereign of
King Chulalongkorn when the factory stopped its operation due to
the change in official uniforms.
The Royal Silk Weaving factory was an important landmark in the
olden days. Later, canals in the area were filled up to make room
for construction of buildings and houses. This created small lanes
and walkways between those structures. In order to keep the old way
of life in this area, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority has named
a lane in the area once used to be the location of the Royal
Silk-Weaving factory, Trok rong Mai, or The Silk Factory Lane.
Now you know the history. This cache is on a reasonably peaceful
lane near the Khao San Road. The only muggles about come along the
main road, but there is a great excuse for being where you
are...perhaps a photo op can disguise your activities. One thing to
look out for is the doorway directly across. A secretary can see
right out the door. I might even suggest after business
hours...
The tube has only a couple tiny pencils and a log.
This cache was placed at the request of gerboa who I had the
pleasure of meeting while in BKK, as he wanted "new blood" to make
some hides in BKK. I imagine the more than active local caching
community can manage the cache servicing.
Small note on cache maintenance: Gerboa has
graciously offered to assist in maintaining the cache in return for
having one more to hunt. Thanks!