Cost and Return Analysis of Ancient Elephant Pattern Mat Weaving: A Case Study of the Thachangensis Textile and Product Processing Community Enterprise, Tha Chang Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the costs and returns of weaving ancient elephant-patterned mats produced by the Thachangensis Textile and Product Processing Community Enterprise, located in Tha Chang Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The sample consisted of 10 participants: the chairperson, vice-chairperson, committee, secretary, and treasurer of the enterprise. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed to determine cost and return structures. The statistical methods included percentage calculations and content analysis. The findings revealed that most members were female, aged between 50 - 60 years, with more than        five years of mat weaving experience, having acquired knowledge and techniques from their parents. The majority consisted of primarily farmers who supplemented their income through weaving mats with the ancient elephant pattern. The revenue from selling krajood (Queen rush) mats with the ancient elephant pattern, 60 × 200 cm in size, amount of 5,850 THB per production cycle. The total production cost was 5,588.03 THB per cycle, consisting of variable costs of 5,002.20 THB (89.52%), with weaving labor costs being the highest at 2,835 THB (50.73%), and fixed costs of 585.83 THB (10.48%). The gross profit per the production cycle was 261.97 THB, representing a gross profit margin of 4.48%, with a break-even point of 7 mats per cycle.