Plastic-bag ban a boon to basket weavers of Ban Bu Tom

By The Nation

 

 

The rattan weavers of Ban Bu Tom, a village in Surin renowned for its craftwork, are working furiously to fill orders after convenience stores and supermarkets across the country banned plastic bags on January 1.

 

 

It’s almost as if everyone wants a Ban Bu Tom rattan basket to carry their purchases now. 

 

Most of the village’s population is involved, handweaving being the second-income-earner of choice once the day’s farm chores are completed. 

 

 

They’ve been weaving items to sell for 90 years – wholly organic and no chemicals used.

 

One of the villagers learned to weave in prison and, on his release in 1930, started a weaving group back home.

 

 

It’s still going strong and often improving the products, adopting modern styles and different shapes.

 

The baskets have traditionally been used for shopping and delivering food offerings to temples. These days, their popularity soaring, the baskets can fetch anywhere from Bt390 to Bt5,000

 

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30380321

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-01-10

Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking Thailand news and visa info

Great to hear some positive news that helps a village industry

3 hours ago, webfact said:

These days, their popularity soaring, the baskets can fetch anywhere from Bt390 to Bt5,000

5 grand ? Better to let the wife walk 8 or 9 times to the supermarket and carry what she can fit in her pockets

Often seen these baskets and I'm honestly astonished at the level of craftsmanship in them.

awesome. Easy to carry, last long time, carry heavy loads, easy on the hands and arms when carrying, look great too Hang of the inner handlebar of the scooter easy and don't spill. I have 2 of different sizes and use them all the time when I go out to shop. They sell less ornate ones by the dozen, so the prices quoted in the article refer to special intricate models the generic 'everyday' ones they make are as cheap as chip!  

Works for me.