These artisans and crafts folk are reviving traditional crafts, promoting cultural heritage, and ensuring that age-old skills and techniques are preserved for future generations.

          In a world brimming with modern marvels and technological advancements, there is an undeniable allure to the treasures of the past. Thailand is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which is beautifully reflected in its traditional crafts. Thai crafts have a long history and are deeply rooted in the country’s traditions, religions, and artistic sensibilities. However, traditional crafts go beyond their aesthetic beauty; they hold a special place in people’s hearts as tangible connections to their roots and cultural heritage. In this magnificent journey, Koktail invites you to explore the wonders of Thai crafts, each a testament to the artisans’ unwavering dedication and unbounded creativity and the inspiring stories of the artisans who breathe life into age-old techniques. Through their efforts, they preserve the cultural heritage of Thailand. 

Thai Silk Weaving – Art and Tradition align

          Step into a realm where Thai silk weaving thrives, and stories unfold through vibrant threads of silk. Thai silk is famous worldwide for its vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and lustrous texture. Skilled weavers create these exquisite fabrics using traditional handlooms, incorporating intricate motifs inspired by nature, mythology, and Thai folklore. Beyond its visual splendour, this craft has become a catalyst for the fusion of artistry and tradition and the interplay of colours and stories. Let’s meet Kru Supachai Kwaochai, a master weaver who preserves the cultural identity, whose journey began at an early age, cultivating a passion for this timeless craft, ensures the continuity of this traditional craft and ensures that Thai silk is not just a fabric; it is a testament to the human spirit, to the indomitable will to preserve and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural heritage, guided by the wisdom passed down through generations in the Ban Khwao community.

“Ikat Thai Silk (Mud-Mee Fabric) by Kru Supachai Kwaochai”

          Kru Supachai Kwaochai was born into a family deeply rooted in the silk industry. From a young age, he assisted his parents in sericulture, accumulating a wealth of experience that fueled his passion for silk. As he grew older, he dedicated himself to the craft of sericulture.

          Hailing from Chaiyaphum Province, Kru Supachai earned the title of Thai Craftsman Teacher of 2019 in the textile category for his work with “Mud-Mee Silk,” a type of traditional Thai silk dyed using natural colours. The Ban Khwao community, known for their silk weaving heritage spanning over two centuries, has passed down their wisdom to Kru Supachai, who continues to uphold their techniques.

         What sets Kru Supachai’s Mud-Mee Silk apart is his use of natural dyes, resulting in colours that evolve with the seasons. Each fabric he creates showcases an array of hues. With dedication to preserving the process of crafting Mud-Mee Silk, Kru Supachai ensures this tradition endures. Kru Supachai also happily shares his knowledge as a lecturer, inspiring the next generation of silk enthusiasts.

Photo: Courtesy of SACIT

Pottery and Ceramics – Ban Guan’s pottery legacy—a testament to craftsmanship, community, and a sustainable way of life

         Thailand is renowned for its vibrant pottery and ceramics scene. Skilled artisans create an array of decorative vases, bowls, plates, and figurines, each showcasing the styles and techniques of different regions. 

          Nestled in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Ban Guan Community exudes charm and a deep-rooted pottery heritage. Honouring age-old methods, craftsmen use hand-rolled potter wheels and clay mixed with sand. Their craftsmanship involves shaping and firing the pottery in separate stages.

          At the heart of this pottery haven is Darunee, president of Ban Guan Community Enterprise. She plays a pivotal role in educating people about Ban Guan pottery and facilitating trade with merchants.

          A highlight of the village is the cauldron, holding historical significance. In the past, when cars were rare, cauldrons lined the roads, offering weary travellers a thirst-quenching stop. Today, these cauldrons remain highly coveted.

          Ban Guan’s earthenware pots have earned FDA approval for their safety and purity. Potters now infuse their creations with patterns inspired by pagodas and temple adornments. Crafted from porous clay and fired at low temperatures, these earthenware pots naturally cool beverages, offering an experience tinged with the earthy aroma of the soil.

For more information, visit Ban Guan

Photo: Courtesy of Tripchiangmai

Thai Wood Carving – Preserving Artistry, Timeless Traditions

         In the realm of Thai wood carving, artisans bring intricate designs to life, transforming wood into captivating works of art. Elaborate sculptures, decorative panels, furniture, and architectural elements emerge from their hands, preserving a tradition that spans centuries. Among them is Samai Sorasit, a beacon of inspiration for young carvers, ensuring this ancient craft endures for future generations.

          Wood carving is an ancient and beautiful art form rooted in Thai culture. It showcases the skill and creativity of talented sculptors who capture the essence of local traditions. One such master craftsman is Samai Sorasit, a teacher honoured as the “Art and Crafts Teacher” of 2020 by the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand.

          With over 26 years of experience, Samai specialises in various types of wood carvings, employing tools and techniques passed down through time. He sharpens his chisel using fine-textured volcanic rocks for precision and glitter stone for shaping, allowing his carvings to bear intricate details.

         Samai’s dedication to his craft is unwavering, and he strives to share his knowledge with aspiring sculptors, offering them the opportunity to build careers and support their families. Through antique hand-carving, Samai not only showcases his craftsmanship but also contributes to the preservation of invaluable wisdom passed down through generations.

Silverware and Jewellery – Crafting Cultural Heritage

         Thai silverware and jewellery boast exquisite craftsmanship, serving as living embodiments of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. The Wualai community in Chiangmai, renowned for its silverware production, stands as a shining example of this art form. Throughout history, the community has been a treasure trove of silverware wisdom, fashioning pieces such as cigarette boxes, spoons, forks, fruit trays, and a dazzling array of jewellery.

          In the heart of the Wualai community resides Direk Sitthikarn, whose grandparents learned the metalworking knowledge from the palace in Mengrai reign. Direk is entrusted with this invaluable heritage, carrying forward the legacy of his ancestors with grace and skill.

         Direk, together with the artisans of Chiang Mai, employs the ancient skill of Chasing and Repousse to create exquisite souvenirs. Their masterpieces, including plaques and jewellery boxes, were presented to government heads attending the Apec Leaders’ Summit in 2022. These creations not only exemplify craftsmanship but also encapsulate the essence of Thai cultural heritage. They serve as testaments to the skill, dedication, and artistry passed down through generations, leaving an indelible legacy for all to admire.

Traditional Thai Painting – A Visual Tapestry for the People

         Step into a world where brushstrokes weave tales of people’s lives, capturing their memories, myths, and aspirations. Traditional Thai painting unfolds as a visual tapestry, resonating with the people and expressing their cultural values and shared experiences. Among the luminaries of this art form is Chakrabhand Posayakrit, a national artist in the field of painting crowned by the Office of the National Culture Commission of Thailand in 2000. His passion for art began at a tender age, and he is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most eminent painters. What sets him apart is his ability to blend traditional Thai art with modern aesthetics.

         Chakrabhand’s mastery extends to mural painting, a traditional art form commonly found adorning the walls of Thai temple ordination halls. His murals can be admired in the new ordination hall of Trithosathep Worawihan Temple in Bangkok and Wat Khao Sukim in the Tha Mai District of Chanthaburi Province. These works bear testament to his skills, illuminating the cultural heritage of Thailand and captivating all who have the privilege to witness them. Traditional Thai painting preserves cultural identity, storytelling, offers accessible art, and fosters community engagement.

The Melody of Traditional Music – Harmonies that Unite the People

         Traditional Thai music, where melodies and rhythms hold the power to unite communities and evoke a profound sense of belonging. Witness the joyous gatherings where people come together to celebrate their cultural heritage through music. Talented musicians like Prasidh, who skillfully play traditional instruments, create harmonies that resonate deep within the souls of the people. These melodies stir emotions, safeguard traditions, and connect individuals to their shared past, nurturing a sense of identity and cultural pride.

         Prasidh Silpabanleng, awarded the title of national artist in the field of Arts and Performance (composer) in 1998, inherits his musical foundation from his father, Luang Pradit Pairoh (Sorn Silpabanleng), a renowned teacher of Thai traditional music during the reigns of King Rama V to King Rama XI. At the age of 77, Prasidh composed the Symphonic Poem “Siang Tian,” rearranging his father’s compositions. The piece was performed by a symphony orchestra accompanied by a female chorus, blending Thai and Western music. “Siang Tian” was hailed as a masterpiece in both Thai and foreign realms. Prasidh’s composition showcased his innovative approach to music. Through his creation, he bridged the gap between traditional and contemporary musical expressions, leaving an impact on Thailand’s cultural landscape and beyond.

Photo: Courtesy of Prasidh Silapabanleng’s Archives

         The artisans who safeguard the legacy of ancient crafts are more than mere guardians of cultural heritage. They embody the essence of community, empowerment, and a profound sense of identity. Breathing life into age-old techniques, they ignite a flame of pride, joy, and an unbreakable bond with their roots. Through their remarkable work, they ensure that cultural heritage remains vibrant and cherished for generations to come. Let us rejoice in these artisans and the extraordinary union between timeless crafts and the hearts they embrace.