As for the design, apart from the “basic” pha kab bua there are two other patterns, pha kab bua chok and pha kab bua kam. Pha kab bua chok adds a supplementary star-shaped pattern to the design which is unique for the Ubon Ratchathani region and easily recognisable. Pha kab bua kam, or “golden brocade”, is a very sophisticated pattern in golden or silver embroidery and the most exclusive product.
The weavers are locals, mostly women from farming families, who work through the long process of weaving a Baan Khampun silk sarong outside the harvesting season and earn about 20,000 baht (about $600) for a piece. Given that one kilogramme of raw silk costs between 2,000 and 2,500 baht ($60 to $75), the yields for the family are quite attractive.