ThaiCraft is an independent development organization working to preserve the diverse craft traditions of Thailand by creating sustainable income for the village artisans. ThaiCraft is committed to ensuring fair and ethical trade for all its artisan groups. Working with over 70 partner groups, ThaiCraft provides resources and support to artisans throughout Thailand through two interrelated organizations. The ThaiCraft Association is a non-profit that provides networking, training, and assistance at increasing the capacity of the artisan groups, while ThaiCraft Fair Trade Co. Ltd., provides market access and logistical support for domestic and export trade. Through both divisions, some of ThaiCraft’s activities include:
- Holding ThaiCraft Sales one day each month in Bankok where they have generating over $3,000,000 in revenue for their artisans over the past 10 years.
- Organizing seminars for the artisan groups on improving production and marketing techniques so that they can become self-reliant.
- Promoting and ensuring fair trade practices as an active member of IFAT and a founder of IFAT’s regional division, the Asia Fair Trade Forum.
History
Thaicraft was established as an independent development association in 1992. Over the years, ThaiCraft has gotten involved with more than 80 artisan groups from all parts of Thailand. It works with urban and rural artisans, from a variety of religious, socio-economic, and regional backgrounds, and of all levels of physical ability. ThaiCraft relies on volunteers - and a small, full-time staff - to help orchestrate its large monthly sales. Thousands of volunteers, of all nationalities, have donated their time and effort to make ThaiCraft events a success. This also enables the volunteers to gain a deeper understanding of Thai life and culture.
ThaiCraft Artisans
Ba Nong Kong
The villagers in Mukdaharn, 800 kilometers east of Bangkok, faced the problem of unreliable work in the rice fields, and new restrictions on using scarce bamboo for their traditional basket weaving. Using their creativity to overcome this obstacle, they started using recycled plastic packing tape to make these colorful baskets! Originally getting assistance from Bangkok Insurance PLC, the villagers still get health checks and surgeries from a medical team at a private hospital in Bangkok. With their reliable income from environmentally-friendly baskets the basket weavers of Ba Nong Kong now have a stable and successful trade.
Chainat Basket
A common weed in the waterways of Thailand’s central plains, the water hyacinth is transformed into these beautiful golden baskets by a group of 150 senior citizens in Chainat. Known for its durability, the water hyacinth is the perfect material for creating functional, yet eye-catching natural-fibre baskets. The stems are first scraped and cut into flat strips and sun-dried for 2-3 days. The artisans then weave the baskets, keeping the strips flexible with water, and finished with a varnish for a warm golden glow. This basket-weaving process is perfect for the older members of the community to work with their families and use their experience to generate an income.
Fuen Fu
Meaning “rehabilitation” in Thai, Fuen Fu is an example of the endless possibilities that come from resilience and determination. This group of 14 people affected by Polio has taken the handicraft skills learned from the Catholic organization in Thailand and formed Fuen Fu where they make creative, recycled products. Using old telephone book paper, the artisans roll long pipes into boxes, frames, and other functional, environmentally-friendly products that you can enjoy!
Manorom
Former patients of Manorom Christian hospital in Chainat create a variety of unique gifts, from coconut products to screen-printed cards. The hospital’s outreach program gives these former leprosy patients the opportunity and training to gain self-confidence and financial stability through their artisanship. The group of 15 men and women, some of whom were left with disfigurements, now earn a reliable income by devoting their skills to these beautiful creations.
Nakorn Basket
In the South of Thailand, a group of 18 women were determined to send their children to school. They resourcefully decided to use their basket-making skills to earn the supplemental income that they needed for tuition costs. By selling these baskets, the women of Nakorn Basket are able to earn an income, while also preserving their cherished weaving tradition. Using Yanlipao, a small vine bush found only in this part of Thailand, the women weave the string into the beautiful baskets that you see!
Narathiwat Basket
In the beautiful province of Narathiwat, the villagers of Ban Tao village use the fibers of the abundant bulrushes to weave intricate mats and baskets. In this Muslim fishing village, a group of 33 women utilize their krajood weaving skills to produce these unique products. “Now each of us can earn a reasonable income from krajood (bulrushes), probably more than our husbands earn from fishing!” tells Aminoh, one of the skilled artisans. In a laborious process, the women prepare boil strips of krajood and sun-dry them for 1-2 days before weaving them into products ranging from prayer mats to boat sails.
Padang Coconut
In the small town of Padang Besar, surrounded by rubber and palm tree plantations, reliable and fair employment possibilities were few. Close to the Malaysian border, smuggling became a lucrative opportunity for a group of people who saw no other options. However, the community chose to find an alternative, and began using the abundant coconut shells to make kitchen utensils, bowls, and other creative products. The group quickly established a training center where they provide the skills, confidence, and education needed to become successful artisans.
Rayong Basket
In a region dominated by tourism, there are few available jobs that utilize the skills of this Thai community. However, this group of 40 men and women created their own alternative by making baskets. Using local raw materials, the artisans of Rayong Basket weave strips of Krajood into baskets, preserving their traditional weaving culture.
Recycled Products
Following the economic crisis of 1997 in Bangkok, there arose a need for alternative skills employment. One creative and environmentally-friendly alternative was to make products from the large amount of wastepaper that the city produced. Two friends, Rung and Noh, who lived in a low-income area of Bangkok decided to use this idea, and began experimenting and developing their skills at making recycled products. Through contact with ThaiCraft, these friends established a group of 12 women who transform telephone books, magazines, and other discarded paper into creative, colorful, and functional creations for you!
Sa Si Moom
In the central part of Thailand, Sa Si Moom is an organization of 20 Christian housewives that work together to create beautiful and unique products. Determined to preserve the traditional Lao Song skills of appliqué work, this group of women makes a variety of products, from Christmas decorations to key rings using the intricate Lao Song design.
Thai Tribal Craft
As the villagers in Northern Thailand were discovering the convenience of purchasing manufactured goods, the traditional art and craft skills of the region were no longer valued. However, through ThaiCraft’s help in creating an outlet for local artisans, these wonderful traditions of weaving, needle work, and basketry were preserved. With an ever-growing demand for these creations, the villagers now have a sense of pride and self-worth for their highly-developed skills. With a rich and diverse array of skills and traditions, the Mien, Hmong, Akha, Lisu, Karen, and Lawa people show immense talent and creativity in their work. Both preserving their culture, and introducing other cultures to their traditions, the artisans of Thai Tribal Craft are now able to provide food, education, and medical care for their families.
Products
World of Good carries a wide variety of products from ThaiCraft artisans. In traditional, creative, and innovative designs, these creations add beauty to both your lives and the artisans’ lives.
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