Paper mulberry belongs to the Moraceae family, genus Broussonetia. This plant is a medium-sized perennial that grows wild in damp areas in almost every region of Thailand. Its name varies according to where it is found. In the north and northeast, it is called Por Sa; in the west, it is called Mo Pee, Mok Pee, and in the south, it is called Por Fai. Many are found in Nan, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Sukhothai, Khon Kaen, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Some rural people use this plant as a medicinal aid. For most people, however, it provides good material for paper and handicraft making as its bark yields tough and long fibers.
Northerners have made paper from this perennial for hundreds of years. It is said that the idea originated from China. The kind of paper made from this plant is soft but quite strong and durable, as well as moth-resistant, as it contains no marl. In the past, people used this paper to record the formulas of ancient medicines and stories from the Buddhist religion; sometimes they used it as a canvas to paint on; they also used it to wrap items, make umbrellas, fans, flags, and create dress patterns. Since 1979, the DIP has helped develop new products from this mulberry paper. Encouragement has also been given to affect continuous production for the market. At the same time, experiments have been conducted to make new articles. The department also invented the bashing machine to expedite the bashing process. This helps to shorten the plant preparation process, leading to increased production and meeting demands at both national and international levels.
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