The major Thai export produced by worms is silk.
Thai silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms, especially the domesticated mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori. The caterpillars feed on mulberry leaves and later produce long protein fibers while forming their cocoons. Those fibers are unwound, combined into thread, dyed, and woven into fabric.
Silk production has deep roots in Thailand. Archaeological evidence from Ban Chiang includes silk fibers more than 3,000 years old. Thai silk became especially associated with northeastern Thailand, where village communities developed distinctive weaving traditions and colorful regional patterns.
The modern international profile of Thai silk was greatly strengthened by American businessman Jim Thompson after World War II. He promoted Thai fabrics abroad and helped turn them into a recognizable luxury product. A common mix-up is assuming all Thai silk is identical: Thailand produces both glossy mulberry silk and matte eri silk, and many communities retain their own methods and designs.