Thai Handicrafts to Drive Economic Growth, Says Deputy PM

[webfact]

 

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has prioritised enhancing Thai handicrafts to boost the national economy. This initiative, spearheaded by the Institute for the Promotion of Thai Arts and Crafts (SACIT), aims to uphold the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.

 

In a directive issued at Bang Sai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phumtham underscored SACIT’s mission to preserve and develop Thai handicrafts. He stressed the importance of Thai crafts as a form of soft power, crucial for economic growth and generating national revenue. The endeavour also seeks to involve the Ministry of Commerce and other key partners to sustain these traditions.

 

SACIT’s pivotal role includes promoting and supporting artisans, thus strengthening the country's cultural heritage. Phumtham emphasised that modernising traditional crafts while preserving their unique identity is vital for engaging both new generations and international audiences.

 

“We must give skilled artisans the opportunities to innovate without losing their unique identity,” Phumtham stated, stressing the need for innovation and technology to elevate Thai crafts into the global spotlight.

 

 

A major part of SACIT’s role is collecting and preserving knowledge about master artisans, ensuring that invaluable national wisdom is passed down to future generations. The intent is to make Thai people proud of their cultural heritage and ensure its sustainability by involving young people.

 

Phumtham highlighted SACIT’s functions under the Ministry of Commerce, including aiding in intellectual property, registration, and export promotion, all vital for the growth of communities and businesses.

 

Additionally, SACIT is transforming into a central hub for various provincial events and national tourism and cultural exchanges. By fostering collaborative work and encouraging youth involvement, the institute aims to create a dialogue across generations.

 

This initiative not only aims to sustain Thai crafts but also to integrate them with modern trends, thereby creating a sustainable economic model. The government is committed to supporting these efforts, positioning Thailand as a centre of craftsmanship globally. 

 

By leveraging soft power and enhancing Thai handicrafts, SACIT aspires to boost the nation’s global standing and economic prosperity.

 

Picture courtesy: Royal Thai Government

 

-- 2024-06-25

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[Mark17AA]

Can't work... Needs to be a Hub.

[Mike Lister]

Just now, Mark17AA said:

Can't work... Needs to be a Hub.

Excellent. 

[mokwit]

Gonna require a lot of baskets woven to move the needle on GDP. I suppose next up is compulsory attendance at a traditional handicrafts demonstration up a dirt track somewhere as a condition of an extension.

[JoePai]

Why a dildo on his desk ?

[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The intent is to make Thai people proud of their cultural heritage and ensure its sustainability by involving young people.

These Dinosaurs just don't get it do they, young people want to moved forward, not live in the past. Who wants to make things like their Grannies have.

Traditions are for the Military and Royalty. 

[realfunster]

23 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

These Dinosaurs just don't get it do they, young people want to moved forward, not live in the past. Who wants to make things like their Grannies have.

Traditions are for the Military and Royalty. 

Indeed, all part of the brainwashing. 
 

It begs the question that is economic salvation has been staring us in the face for the last decade, why no one has tried this before. Or maybe they have with OTOP…

[brianthainess]

3 minutes ago, realfunster said:

Indeed, all part of the brainwashing. 
 

It begs the question that is economic salvation has been staring us in the face for the last decade, why no one has tried this before. Or maybe they have with OTOP…

That IMO was stupid from the start One Product One Tambon i.e. everyone selling the same product in the same Amphur, daft as a brush. 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has prioritised enhancing Thai handicrafts to boost the national economy

Desperation sets in.

[TheAppletons]

3 hours ago, JoePai said:

Why a dildo on his desk ?

 

  Because he discovered that he can't "leverage his soft power".  

[Snackbar]

Can a 200 thousand yr old market drive growth?

Edited June 25 by Snackbar

[khunjeff]

I'm all for promoting and preserving traditional handicrafts, but that will have exactly zero effect on economic growth.

[sherwood]

Just another daft idea from another daft deputy PM.

Must be why they are chosen.

[Peabody]

Seriously??!

Gonna have to sell a lot of croaky wooden frogs, straw hats, and wooden phalluses to have any effect.

[Srikcir]

Visit Naraiphand Co. Ltd. at Sukumvit 55, Bangkok.

• "Narai Phand" is the original and classic OTOP product sales point in Thailand. It is a part of the dissemination of quality Thai arts, Culture and handicrafts to both Thais and foreigners to help and promote income for various Local people. Find silks, cotton, silverware, brass, pottery, benjarong, ceramics, dolls, mother of pearls, wood carving, wickerware and pewter. 

Prices I estimate at about 50% of commercial retail.