Enhancing Household Income through Handwoven Plastic-Strip Bags: A Case Study in Don Mot Daeng Subdistrict, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Rural households in Don Mot Daeng Subdistrict, Don Mot Daeng District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, in Northeastern Thailand rely primarily on rice cultivation, cassava and corn farming, livestock raising, and daily wage labor. Income is typically modest and vulnerable to shocks, particularly recurrent flooding that frequently damages crops and reduces opportunities for employment. As a result, many households struggle to meet basic expenses for food, consumer goods, and agricultural equipment. This study was designed to strengthen household economic capacity by introducing skills in weaving plastic-strip bags and by supporting community-based enterprise development as a sustainable source of supplemental income.

Training and Skill Development: At the outset, participating households had no prior experience in weaving plastic bags. Two training sessions, each lasting five days, were organized in collaboration with the Ban Non Daeng Village No. 11 Plastic Basket Weaving Enterprise Group. Participants were introduced to essential weaving tools such as plastic strips, scissors, knives, metal buttons, hammers, and stamping blocks. Training was delivered through one-on-one mentoring by experienced enterprise members, beginning with fundamental skills in laying out patterns, shaping bag corners, and ensuring structural stability so that bags could stand upright. Following the training sessions, participants were provided with plastic strips to continue practice at home. They brought completed bags back to the enterprise group for quality assessment. Once participants demonstrated proficiency in basic patterns, they advanced to more complex designs. Successful trainees were invited to join the enterprise as full members and were supplied with materials such as plastic strips, leather handles, and metal buttons. Finished products were compensated according to size and complexity: larger and intricately patterned bags yielded higher earnings, while simpler designs earned less. After deducting material costs, the remainder was distributed as household income.

Brand Development and Marketing Strategy: To increase competitiveness and market visibility, the enterprise undertook brand development training. A SWOT analysis revealed key strengths in weaving design capability, weaknesses in lacking a unique brand identity, opportunities in sustained international demand through intermediaries, and threats from intense competition in local and regional markets. In response, a new brand identity— Mot Daeng Handmade—was established, inspired by the local subdistrict name. The brand was visually represented through PU leather tags attached to bag straps, with the logo on the front and contact details on the back. In addition, the group developed new design variations, including English alphabet patterns (A–Z) for customized orders. Plans were also initiated to experiment with natural materials such as bulrush (krachut) to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs and expand environmentally friendly product lines.

Outcomes and Economic Impact: As skills improved, the enterprise group expanded its membership to 40 households, supported by a revolving fund of 50,000 THB (≈ 1,400 USD). Members collectively produced woven bags that were checked for quality, branded, and distributed for retail sale in local shops, across Ubon Ratchathani Province, and to international buyers. Efforts are underway to expand distribution via online platforms under the Mot Daeng Handmade brand. On average, participating households were able to produce about 15 woven bags per month, sold at 150–400 THB (≈ 4.20–11.20 USD) each depending on design complexity. For example, a simple diagonal pattern cost 50 THB (≈ 1.40 USD) to produce (excluding labor) and retailed at 199 THB (≈ 5.60 USD), while a star-patterned design cost 100 THB (≈ 2.80 USD) to produce and retailed at 400 THB (≈ 11.20 USD), yielding net profits of 100–300 THB (≈ 2.80–8.40 USD) per bag. This translated into an additional 2,250 THB (≈ 63 USD) per month or 27,000 THB (≈ 756 USD) per year for households producing mid-range bags. When added to the baseline average annual income of 42,000 THB (≈ 1,176 USD), total household income increased to 69,000 THB (≈ 1,932 USD)—an improvement of approximately 64.3%. For those capable of producing higher-value designs or larger volumes, income gains were even more substantial.

Sustainable Development of Human and Social Capital: Beyond direct financial benefits, the project contributed to the development of human capital by equipping households with practical vocational skills that can be sustained and transferred across generations. Weaving skills not only offered a pathway for income diversification but also provided opportunities for innovation, such as adapting new patterns or experimenting with natural fibers. At the same time, the initiative strengthened social capital within the community: enterprise members shared techniques freely, provided mutual assistance, and collaborated on branding and marketing. This collective effort fostered stronger relationships both within the community and with external buyers. The Ban Non Daeng Village No. 11 Plastic Basket Weaving Enterprise Group is positioning itself for long-term sustainability by continually innovating product designs, developing a recognizable brand, and reducing dependence on intermediaries. Direct-to-customer marketing and online distribution are expected to widen the consumer base and secure more stable demand. In addition, the skills and knowledge cultivated through this initiative can be transmitted to younger generations, ensuring that weaving remains both a cultural and economic asset for the community.

Conclusion: By combining skill development, enterprise branding, and market diversification, the project in Don Mot Daeng demonstrates how community-based interventions can enhance household income, strengthen resilience against economic shocks, and build sustainable pathways out of poverty. The case highlights the importance of integrating human capital development with market-oriented strategies to ensure long-term viability and equitable benefits for participating households.