We are an independent “Fair Trade” company marketing quality handicrafts made by village groups of artisans in all parts of Thailand.
Our objectives are
to generate a fair income for village artisans
to help keep alive the diverse craft traditions in Thailand
to promote and practise the principles of Fair Trade
Our mission is
to be a leading Fair Trade Company that
provides sustainable market access and development for Thai artisans
gives a better solution for modern customers of handmade products
increases producer skills in production and business management
creates self-reliance for village artisan groups
prevents the need for charity by offering a commercial opportunity
Our producer partners are
over 60 artisan groups of various sizes and operational structures, of diverse backgrounds and cultures and from all regions of Thailand. They create thousands of fine hand-crafted products, including jewellery, clothing, fabrics, household items, basketry, decorations, stationery, musical instruments, learning games and more.
Some groups focus on, or include, people with special needs. Some others face social, political or environmental difficulties. The rest include village cooperatives, slum projects, and small community workshops.
All partners know about and are expected to follow Fair Trade practices and keep to internationally recognised standards of working behaviour and responsibility.
Our selling activities are to
Research and access appropriate markets for village crafts in Thailand and overseas.
Select and present a wide range of handmade products that are attractive, are of high quality and which represent good value to the customer
Organise attractive and informative retail shopping experiences through frequent “ThaiCraft Fair” events and at other outlets, mainly in and around Bangkok.
Provide an export wholesale marketing service that enables customers overseas to order and receive products of high quality in an efficient and timely manner.
Supply information and materials to “tell the story” that lies behind the crafts and those who create them.
prevents the need for charity by offering a commercial opportunity
Our customers are
People just like you!.
Discerning shoppers who appreciate the handmade quality and beauty of products that are both useful and decorative.
Those who like to know about the origin of each product, who made it and where it came from, as well as knowing the story that lies behind it.
Persons with a concern for society. For them, Fair Trade offers the assurance that the impact of their purchases will benefit the artisans and will not harm the environment.
Our training and development activities for artisans are to
Arrange practical training and advice in product design and development as well as in sound business management and practices.
Monitor and, if and when necessary, take active steps to ensure the understanding and adherence of Fair Trade practices in the activities of all groups and also within our own organisation. These include, good working conditions, health and safety, no enforced child labour and care for the environment.
Provide networking opportunities (e.g. seminars and workshops) among groups locally and nationwide, and supply information about international product and market trends.
Listen and respond to the needs of artisan groups, wherever possible involving them in our planning, our activities and appraisals.
Training and development work of ThaiCraft is carried out by staff members of the ThaiCraft Fair Trade Company together with its sister organisation, The ThaiCraft Association, our non-profit arm dedicated to offering services to village artisans in Thailand. The ThaiCraft Association also monitors and supports the work of the company, ensuring that its activities conform to Fair Trade practices and values.
