the ultimate Thai multi-purpose cloth

It is commonly employed for wrapping items, drying your face, providing shade from the sun, covering tables, and even humorously worn around the neck as a symbol of despair in life.

The term “pha khao ma” is a combination of Thai words, with “pha” meaning cloth, “khao” signifying white, and “ma” referencing a horse. However, pha khao ma is not synonymous with “white horse cloth” or “cloth for a white horse”.

The origin of “khao ma” can be traced back to the Persian term “kamar band,” which translates to “waistband.”

Pha khao ma has been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries, with its roots extending more than 900 years into the past. Originally introduced by the Shan people, it was used to cover their heads, but Thai people ingeniously repurposed it as a waistband for various functions, including wrapping items, using it as a bedsheet,…