The Power of Creative Handicrafts in Textile Weaving: Threads of Wisdom and Their Social and Economic Value in Phu Khao Thong Subdistrict, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat Province
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This article aims to study 1) the social value of woven fabrics in Phu Khao Thong Subdistrict, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat Province, and 2) the creation of economic value of woven fabrics. A qualitative research methodology was used, with 21 informants comprising key government officials, members of weaving groups, members of the Onzon To Mo group, and consumers. The research instrument was an in-depth interview guide, evaluated for suitability by three experts. The suitability score was 4.2. Data were collected from relevant literature, participant and non-participant observation, action research, and in-depth interviews with informants focusing on the social and economic values of woven fabrics and related products. Data were analyzed through categorization, interpretation, formation of conclusions, and descriptive analysis.
The results revealed that the social value of woven fabrics reflects identity and social status, fosters community bonds, plays a role in beliefs and rituals, and possesses artistic and intellectual value. Moreover, the economic value creation of woven fabrics involves designing products for everyday use, as well as creating modern, fashionable designs suitable for ceremonial occasions. The benefits of this research include raising awareness of the importance and the values of woven fabrics and woven fabric products, leading to their preservation, continuation, transmission, and further development as part of the local cultural heritage linked to local identity.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Hatyai Academic Journal is an open access journal licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Readers are free to access, download, and share the content for educational purposes at no cost, provided that the work is not modified and proper attribution is given.
Authors retain the copyright of their work and grant the journal right of first publication.
References
Boonprakarn, K., Sangkapan, J., Tepsing, P., Sangkapan, J., Treetreesual, T., Sirijarukul, S., Boonprakarn, T., Thipaksorn, A., Suriyo, N., & Suriyo, N. (2016). Isan cultural identity maintenance in the southern border area: A case study of Phukhao Thong Sub-district, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat Province [Research report]. Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture. [in Thai]
Boonprakarn, K., Sangkapan, J., Thutsaro, C., Kaewmano, C. Tritrishaul, T., Tepsing, P., Boonrat, A., Wangbenmut, C., Thongsawat, S., Chanthawong, A., Bulviboon, J., & Nualplub, M. (2025). Creative woven fabrics: Value added woven fabrics to drive the grassroots economy to sustainable self-reliant communities of Isan people across the border in the southern border area, Royal Initiative Projects Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother at Ban Tomo Silk Weaving Arts and Crafts Group, Phukhao Thong Sub-district, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat Province [Research report]. National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). [in Thai]
Chemsripong, S., & Petmee, P. (2017). Creating value added products from local wisdom: A case study of the ancient cloth. Journal of Community Development Research (Humanities and Social Sciences), 10(4), 62–85. [in Thai]
Chudhavipata, W. (2012). Textile: Reflection of Thai life. Dhonburi Rajabhat University Journal, 6(2), 103–126. [in Thai]
Jaidee, K., & Girdwichai, L. (2016) The influence of social capital: Social network, localism, philosophy of sufficiency economy and knowledge management; towards sustainable community development in Samut Songkram Province. Research and Development Journal Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, 8(3), 36–49. [in Thai]
Muksong, C. (2006, March 29–31). Fast food mutation: Changing meanings of food and cross-cultural symbolic consumption. In P. C. Koanantakool (Chair), Complete research report (Volume 1), knowledge synthesis and conference on “consumer culture” [Symposium]. The 5th Annual Anthropology Conference, Bangkok, Thailand. [in Thai]
Naiprom, R., & Chaluaysi, S. (2023) The development of local wisdom on the locally woven clothes to community innovation in the border communities in Ubon Ratchathani Province. KKU International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 13(2), 108–133. [in Thai]
Phattana, W. (2021). Brand story perception and image of Songkhla local woven fabrics affecting consumers’ purchasing intention. Journal of Business Administration and Social Sciences Ramkhamhaeng University, 4(1), 95–109. [in Thai]
Sangpud, W., Chirinang, P., Chandarasorn, V., & Katekao, V. (2024). Guidelines for adding value to local Thai community products. Journal of Modern Learning Development, 9(6), 439–448. [in Thai]
Serirat, S. (1999). Principles of marketing. Phetjaratsang Hangthurakit Press. [in Thai]
Srikhao, P., Thongthow, P., Ketoukham, L., & Thipsana, I. (2024). The role of woven textiles in marriage and the after-death rituals of Tai ethnic groups in the Mekong River Basin. Journal of Chandrakasemsarn, 30(1), R128-R143. [in Thai]
Srisa-ard, B. (2017). Basic research (10th ed.). Suviriyasarn. [in Thai]
Sumethokul, P., Kanjanaklod, U., Phutornpukdee, M., Lamsub, M., Prommaand, S., & Jaiman, P. (2024). Empowering to create and added value for healthy and historical tourism in a sustainable balance at Noppitam District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Journal of Buddhistic Sociology. 9(2), 55–79. [in Thai]
Suwannakate, P. (2015, July 31) Handicrafts inspired by values. Bangkokbiznews. https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/lifestyle/659032 [in Thai]
Sweeney, J. C., & Soutar, G. N. (2001) Consumer perceived value: The development of a multiple item scale. Journal of Retailing, 77(2), 203–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-4359(01)00041-0
TDC Material Database. (2026, Jan 26) Thai textiles: A world of stories and living beauty, born from the wisdom of artisans. https://www.tcdcmaterial.com/th/article/materials-application/35086 [in Thai]
Thai Conservation of Forest Foundation (TCOF). (2025, Sep 19). Naturally dyed woven fabrics: A traditional craft that connects people with the forest. https://thairakpa.org/media_release/pah-toi-yom/#:~:text [in Thai]
Wichaidit, S., Kongmanon, S., & Buatama, P. (2022) Value addition of local woven wisdoms toward creative tourism. Journal of Modern Learning Development, 7(3), 347–364. [in Thai]
