Latex in Phuket and products made from it
In the north of Phuket and along the road to the Big Buddha, you can see neat rows of trees that many people notice on the way from the airport or during excursions. This is the Hevea brasiliensis - a tree whose sap is called the "white gold of Thailand".
The History of "White Gold" in Phuket
The first rubber tree plantations were established in Phuket about a hundred years ago. Originating from South America, rubber tree was for a long time under the monopoly of Brazil, which exported its wood and latex. Translated from the Indian language, “kau” means “tree”, and “chuk” means “cry”. In the 19th century, with the beginning of the industrial revolution and the growing demand for rubber, the export of rubber tree seeds and seedlings was strictly prohibited, and violators faced the death penalty. However, in 1875, the British Henry Wickham secretly exported several seeds, which gave rise to plantations in Southeast Asia. Rubber tree was brought to Phuket at the beginning of the 20th century by the governor of Ko Sim Bi, who purchased seeds in Sumatra. At that time, large areas of the jungle were cut down, giving way to rubber tree groves. Today, trees are gradually being cut down for construction, but rubber production remains an important part of the Thai economy. In addition to Phuket, rubber tree plantations can be found in the provinces of Krabi, Trang, Pattani and others.
How "white gold" is mined
Hevea is a tree 30 to 50 meters high, with a thin trunk and a wide crown, which is planted in even rows for easy collection of latex. The bark contains channels filled with white sap. The trees do not require special care, and latex can be collected as early as the 7th or 8th year of the plant's life. Cuts are made in the bark, under which special containers are placed. One tree produces up to 300 ml of latex per day, but collection is carried out at night, since the sap quickly hardens in the sun. Workers in white clothes and rubber boots (to protect against snakes) manually fill containers with latex, which is then sent to the plant.
Latex products
The collected latex is processed with the addition of stabilizers and thickeners, after which a wide variety of products are made from it:
- Household and medical gloves
- Medical supplies (catheters, bandages, prostheses)
- Rubber threads, shoe soles
- Car tires and parts
- Glue, paints, stationery
- Baby pacifiers and toothbrushes
- Building materials such as linoleum
Latex products are everywhere around us – even parts of phones and laptops often contain this material.
Latex pillows and mattresses
Latex pillows and mattresses have become a popular souvenir among tourists in Thailand. They are often mentioned on excursions, but it is worth remembering that there are no factories producing them in Phuket. Excursions are held in retail stores, where sellers are interested in selling goods, and not in a detailed explanation of the technology. Prices in such stores are often inflated. Pillows and mattresses are made of latex with the addition of foaming additives, since completely natural products are impossible. However, high-quality products retain the flexibility and useful properties of the material.
How to spot a fake
- The label must not contain the word “imitation”.
- Natural latex has a porous, slightly shiny surface.
- The material must be elastic and flexible.
- There is a slight smell of dry milk, which disappears over time.
Benefits of Latex Bedding
- Antibacterial properties, due to which parasites do not start in them.
- Breathable structure that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Elastic structure that supports the head and neck muscles.
- Do not absorb odors and do not require complex care.
- Suitable for long-term use with proper care.
Recommendations for the care of latex pillows and mattresses
- Use a protective cover. Using a cotton or waterproof cover will protect latex products from dirt and excess moisture. The cover can be washed regularly, which is especially useful for keeping the pillow and mattress clean.
- Regular cleaning. To clean the surface, simply wipe the pillows and mattresses with a slightly damp soft cloth. Deep washing or machine cleaning is contraindicated for latex products, as it can damage the structure of the material.
- Ventilation. Latex has a breathable porous structure, and it is recommended to periodically air out its products in the fresh air (but avoid direct sunlight) to maintain hygiene and eliminate possible odors.
- Careful handling. Latex is flexible and dense, but sensitive to breaks and sudden deformations. Therefore, it is important to avoid stretching the products so that they retain their shape and properties.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Latex loses strength when exposed to direct sunlight. It is better to keep pillows and mattresses in shaded areas, and when airing - in the shade or in a well-ventilated room.
- Washing powders and chemicals. Avoid using aggressive detergents and solvents to clean latex. They can damage the material and cause it to age. If you need to remove a stain, it is better to use a slightly soapy solution and wipe the surface thoroughly, avoiding excess moisture.
- Avoid excess moisture. Latex does not tolerate excessive moisture. It is important not to use latex pillows and mattresses in places with high humidity, and if they do get wet, let them dry naturally, avoiding heating devices and direct sunlight.
- Rotate your mattress regularly. If you have a latex mattress, rotate it at least once every few months. This will help prevent deformation and extend the life of the product.
If you follow these care rules, latex pillows and mattresses will retain their beneficial properties and last for many years, providing comfortable and healthy sleep.
You can buy natural latex products at the Dr. Holland pharmacy. Below we will indicate the locations of these pharmacies and provide a discount card for a nice bonus in the form of a 5% discount - just show a screenshot at the checkout before paying for your purchase.
Location (click and it will open in maps)
