From a humble plant in the wild that stands against all sorts of climate, bamboo has since the old days been the raw material popular with Thai's in basket weaving. The bamboo trunk is pliant enough to be cut into thin strips that can be curved and woven without breaking.
Basket weaving has its roots in agricultural society. When they are not toiling in the field, farmers in remote areas find raw materials that are readily available in their locality and turn them into baskets and other items for household use. The finished products are thus handicrafts of natural beauty that also reflect local wisdom and craftsmanship.
That is true with Baan Nah Nai, Tambon Thung Maprao, in Phangnga Province’s Thai Muang District, where villagers used the widely available bamboo to make items for household use. Eventually, several Thai government departments, moved in to provide the local people with training and vocational promotion in the production of bamboo furniture, resulting in the establishment of the Baan Nah Nai Bamboo Furniture Group in 1990.
Since then, its reputation spread by word of mouth, Baan Nah Nai has been widely recognized for its exquisite bamboo furniture and other bamboo products. At times, the producers are so overwhelmed with orders that they find it impossible to meet customers’ demands on time.
The village offers a wide range of bamboo products, from beds to chairs and tables to living room furniture sets and cupboards. Hotels and resorts in Phangnga and neighboring provinces constitute the majority of customers.
Some customers order custom-made furniture, providing their own specifications and designs, to ensure that they get the products that suit their needs. As a result, the weavers learn about market trends and improve the design and quality of their products.
To ensure that they have a steady source of raw material, the villagers will be encouraged to plant, manage and maintain bamboo plantations in their community forest, in preparation for anticipated further increase in demand as a result of the promotion in the
