TY - JOUR AB - Purpose– This paper identifies challenges the traditional Thai silk industry has faced during its internationalization, and the public and private responses employed to overcome challenges.Design/methodology/approach– In-depth interviews were conducted with major players along the Thai silk value chain to gain insights into the industry's transformation from a domestic, cottage industry into an international fashion producer.Findings– Thai silk has created a niche market for high-end, cultural products, thus successfully sidestepping direct competition from emerging low-cost producers. The main innovative strategies employed include introducing new products, upgrading quality, attracting new customers, and collaboration between actors all along the silk value chain.Originality/value– This study illustrates how a traditional industry can evolve and successfully adapt to changing consumer demands and competitive landscapes in a globalize economy. VL - 30 IS - 2 SN - 0258-0543 DO - 10.1108/SD-09-2013-0062 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-09-2013-0062 AU - Patichol Preeya AU - Wongsurawat Wiani AU - M. Johri Lalit PY - 2014 Y1 - 2014/01/01 TI - Modernizing tradition – the Thai silk industry T2 - Strategic Direction PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 31 EP - 33 Y2 - 2024/04/25 ER -