Thai Tribal Crafts in Thailand

The rapidly changing economy and culture in Thailand has threatened to destroy the traditional, communal lifestyle of Northern Thailand’s rural hill tribe peoples. Thai Tribal Crafts, a Gaiam fair trade partner, was founded to seek to preserve this unique culture by helping local craftspeople market their creations. Working with local artisans, Thai Tribal Crafts promotes and sells traditional handicrafts from seven different hill tribe groups in about 50 villages. Through this unique outlet, villagers not only earn much-needed income, but they also gain a priceless renewed sense of self-worth by supporting themselves and their families with their traditional crafts. The handicrafts of Thai Tribal Crafts are as varied as the groups themselves, producing one-of-a-kind Hmong-style silk purses, stuffed-fabric ornaments and intricately embroidered and beaded Karen purse organizers.