Salt production in Thailand
When one thinks of Thailand, one does not initially think of salt extraction. More on beautiful white beaches with palms and an azure blue sea in the south of Thailand. Even less of mountains and ancient cultures in the north of Thailand. Yet salt production is also part of the tradition of Thailand.
In Pattaya there is even a street called Na-klua, salt fields, where salt used to be won. The provinces of Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram are more famous for salt production. There, on the coast, salt is obtained from the saltwater basins by evaporation. However, it is a grueling activity that attracts fewer and fewer workers. In addition, many people move to the cities for work. Due to the lack of labor, there are less and less salt fields in use, which means that traditional salt production is in danger of being lost. People can buy salt in shops everywhere and are no longer dependent on this production process.
In order not to let this method of salt production be lost, some entrepreneurs have set up a training center to inform people about this method of salt production. There is also a "salt route" in Samut Sakhon.
Samut Sakhon is the province with the most salt fields in the country. According to a 2011 study, salt is extracted from an area of more than 12.000 Rai. But after that time it has become less like other salt fields in Phetchaburi and Samut Songkhram. Most salt is used in industry such as in the textile, paper or fish industry. Only 10% of the extracted salt is processed into table salt.
As elsewhere in the low-paid jobs, many foreigners work here. New innovative ideas are now being sought to continue using the salt fields. For example, to integrate this product into spa treatments and other health facilities. At the same time, national awareness should be promoted about this traditional craft.
Apiradi Tantraporn, minister of trade, is looking for new markets and marketing strategies for this product and has set up trade centers in Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi, among others.
for salt fields also look in the province of Chanthaburi, between Tha Mai and Chao Lao Beach, daily salt extraction
Salt is also extracted from a spring in Bo Klua, Nan province.
There is also salt production in our area! Ban Muang Sakhon Nakhon – Udon Thani.
For our water purification (water softener) we collect the salt and pay 3 bath per kg for it.
There is also salt extraction in Bandung.