Dr. Thitiporn “Peak” Chanawangsa is putting Thai textiles on the global map with Peakchan. Blending tradition with innovation, she transforms natural fibres, overcomes stereotypes and unites artisans to showcase Thai craftsmanship.

“Thailand is rich in natural and cultural resources, especially where I reside.”

So says Dr. Thitiporn “Peak” Chanawangsa, or Dr. Peak, who takes great pride in showcasing Thai culture to the world. She is not one to overlook the beauty and craftsmanship within her own community. With a vision to promote these assets, she founded Peakchan, a company dedicated to bringing Thai lifestyle and textile products to the global stage.

Through her efforts, her handcrafted items are now available in international markets including China, Japan, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Russia and Dubai. Here, we explore her vision for promoting Thai cultural products worldwide.

Thai Textile Craftsmanship Shining Abroad

The inspiration behind the creation of the Peakchan brand began when she was 22 years old. She completed an international painting programme at Pho Chang College, which ignited further her creative imagination. She also wanted to help in increasing access to design, art and handicrafts through the study of applied or decorative arts. 

“I travelled to various communities in Thailand, researching their potential for handicrafts even before pursuing my studies in applied arts and design at Silpakorn University.”

She sought to gain a deeper understanding of the people and society while also developing her skills in creating new and innovative knowledge. Later, the idea of expanding into international markets took shape during her master’s studies in Applied Arts and Design at Silpakorn University.

The materials she loves working with are natural fibres that can be twisted, bent and shaped–among them jute is her favourite. She sees an opportunity to elevate the fibre beyond its traditional use in ropes and sack bags. Through experimentation with weaving and moulding techniques, she transformed jute into a refined material for fashion and lifestyle products. Given Thailand’s renowned expertise in textile craftsmanship, she recognised the potential to upgrade traditional materials into high-quality items for the global market. 

Her dream of creating export-quality products continues as she pushes herself to establish her brand across various platforms. She has showcased her work in national competitions, positioned herself as a leading designer, become a full-time design lecturer and taken on roles as a project consultant for the Textile Institute and the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand. Through these efforts she and her brand have gradually gained recognition and successfully expanded her reach to international markets. Dr. Peak has been presented with the OKMD Thai Creative Awards, the Designer of the Year 2009 award in the field of Textile & Fabric Design and many more.

Shaping Ideas, Embracing Differences: Dr. Peak’s Creative Path

At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to local craftsmanship. The Peakchan team consists of Thai artisans from different communities, each contributing their unique expertise. Those skilled in growing jute focus on cultivation, while experts in dyeing, fibre selection and weaving take on their specialised roles. By distributing work based on each artisan’s strength, she preserves traditional skills and empowers local communities to grow in the global market.

“When it comes to problem-solving, we embrace the principle that thinking differently is not wrong. If an idea is artistically different, it deserves exploration.” 

For her and the Peakchan team, flexibility and a willingness to embrace new possibilities are essential to the creative process. Her work extends beyond a single location or discipline, involving a diverse network of artisans, designers, academics and industry professionals. By bringing together individuals with different expertise, she fosters an environment where knowledge is shared, skills are developed and ideas are refined collectively. Through this approach, she ensures that every system and setting in which she works embrace collaboration, allowing for continuous growth and adaptation.

Her inspiration comes from artistic concepts, using art as the foundation to create both value and beauty. From there, she develops design ideas considering forms, colours, materials, techniques, functionality and scales. Her work leans towards abstractionism, influenced by the movement of water and Zen philosophy, particularly its focus on mindfulness and wisdom. She interprets these concepts into her design approach, shaping meaningful products.

A Woman in the Industry 

As a Thai woman, her designs reflect the strength and skill of her Thai sisters. However, gender perceptions have sometimes posed challenges in marketing. When exhibiting at international trade fairs, she has encountered instances of being judged based on her identity as a Thai woman. Some potential clients have questioned her credibility, assuming there are limitations in her creativity and business skill. She has faced biases that challenge the perception of women in leadership roles, particularly in design and business.

Despite these challenges, her work continues to stand out. Overcoming such biases requires time, strategic negotiation and consistently proving her expertise. Dr. Peak believes that creativity is the foundation of any successful product, and when combined with the right marketing strategies, it can enhance the reputation of designers. She advocates for innovation rather than merely repurposing existing products in ways that could undermine their value or the image of Thai design.

Building People, Shaping the Future

“It is my responsibility, along with the Peakchan team, to build a network of creative artisans within communities. We do this through clear and accessible communication, sharing a well-defined story rooted in knowledge.”

Her goal is to bridge connections and redefine the value of arts and crafts in modern life. By bringing together community artisans and urban creatives who are committed to preserving and developing traditional craftsmanship, Dr. Peak and team strive to ensure that these art forms continue to thrive in a meaningful and sustainable way.

“In today’s world, soft power plays a crucial role in shaping global narratives, and while our contribution may seem small, we believe in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change for Thai culture.”