DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTEMPORARY THAI WICKER HANDICRAFTS OF THE HANDICRAFT COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY. A MULTI-SITE CASE STUDY

Abstract

            The objectives of this research article were to study the present conditions and problems in the development of contemporary arts and crafts in community enterprises and study the process of developing contemporary Thai arts and crafts in community enterprises that can lead towards sustainability. This research was the qualitative methodology by studying the Toei Panan Ban Duhun community enterprise products, and the Krajood Wannee handicraft community enterprise. The study used a specific sample selection process and applied a snowball procedure. Data were consolidated by structured interviews from experts in related fields and a sample group of 12 persons, by analyzing documents and observation forms. Results shows that under the current conditions, community enterprises are producing handicrafts from local raw materials that have sentimental and intellectual value with their religion as the center of local activities. They cohabit as kinship and are receptive to outside culture. They have strong community leaders who adhere firmly to the sufficiency economy concept, who maintain balance to the raw material ecosystem and preserve traditional wisdom. Problems are encountered due to the reduced popularity of original weaving patterns, their youth unwillingness in learning on how to weave, the unpopularity on the use of basketry, unbalanced community enterprise production, and the use of chemicals in the production process. The process of developing contemporary Thai arts and crafts weaving of the community enterprises’ handicraft towards sustainability, consist of; developing an understanding of being a handicraft community enterprise, further development of the local arts and culture, transferring the wisdom of producing handicrafts, and knowing on how to adapt and receive support from the government. The above results have led towards recommendations for the development of other arts and crafts community enterprises which can be applied to create product values ​​that can be further developed into a creative economy concept.