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     Lampang is one of the most important ceramic producers in the north of Thailand. Reasons to support this are:

      1.  It is the main source of white clay in Thailand, with 93% of all white clay coming from Lampang. This white clay is highly resistant to heat thus producing quality products.

      2.  The rate of payment for labor force in Lampang is cheaper than those of larger cities.

      3.  Lampang is situated in a good location. It is the bypass to many nearby provinces and has all forms of transportation.

     Ceramics in Lampang was originated when a villager from the Jae-Hom district found a whetstone which was made from Kaolinite (white clay) . After that, three Chinese, Mr. Chin Simyu, Mr. Ue Siayu, and Mr Kwok Sewkim from Tai-Pu city (famous for producing dinnerware in China) tried to search for sources of white clay with financial support from Mr. Tawee Polcharone. Finally, in 1947, they found the sources at Pang-Ka village, Amphur Jae-Hom, Lampang between the 26th and 27th Kilometer of Lampang - Jachom Road.

     Today, the ceramic factories in Lampang range from small to large scale. There are about 30 factories for medium to large scale numbering from 100-600 in labor force per factory. There are about 120 factories for small scale with 10-80 in labor force per factory. This generates a cash flow into the province of at least 2,000 million baht per year. 

     Some distinguishing features in producing Lampang ceramics are:

      - Conservative style, i.e. : using the jigger method of production and dragon kilns, which still use wood as an energy source; they produce 5" - 7" local bowls along with electric insulators and Art Ceramics of which only 7-8 factories remain in operation today.

      - LPG kiln: to compete with products from abroad, the LPG kiln is used to produce gift sets, home decoration sets, dinnerware, ceramic fences, and handmade products.

      - High technology products: using the tunnel kiln, Lampang was able to expand production capacity to serve the market demand of Europe and America. These products are tableware, large flower pots, and vases.

     Though Lampang has been producing white clay ceramics for only 50 years, it is one of the most important exports of Thailand and will continue to enhance income and occupational growth of the local people in the future.