แฟชั่นแห่งความยั่งยืน

The Community Development Department is mandated to advance the Fun with Thai Fabric and Sustainable Fashion royal initiatives of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, to preserve and develop traditional knowledge in Thai fabrics and handicrafts, in line with contemporary lifestyles, and to demonstrate that the skills of Thai artisans embody both cultural identity and economic opportunity for local communities.

In 2025, the Community Development Department implemented the Community Handicraft Product Development Project “Wickerwork” to the Global Market under the Fun with Thai Fabric Initiative. This project brings together experts from the Fun with Thai Fabric team, Thai fabric development specialists, and designers, to add value to cultural capital. The aim is to develop skills, knowledge, and contemporary product design to meet global market demands, while preserving distinctive local identity and community wisdom.

Work began with improving fibers and local materials, then upgrading skills in forming, weaving, dyeing, and natural finishing, alongside product and packaging design and online-offline market links. The project has delivered concrete results, with participating producers and entrepreneurs increasing average monthly incomes by 10 – 38 percent and securing sustainable benefits from upstream to downstream.

The Community Development Department has produced a book, Wicker Wonders 3, to document its mission to bring international recognition to Thai wickerwork. Focusing on the development of “people” and “knowledge,” the book features case studies of modern wicker designs for everyday objects and decorative pieces. These highlight Thai wickerwork as it becomes contemporary and meets stringent global quality and safety standards, while also remaining environmentally friendly and rooted in traditional wisdom.