Starbucks Thailand supporting regional artisans

Thai craft products are to go on sale in Starbucks Thailand outlets in a national promotion with the title “We bring crafts to life in harmony with the contemporary lifestyle”.

In co-operation with the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT), the project aims to help Thai artisans take their crafts to the public. Initially there are three products – handmade bags, natural-dye cotton outfits for teddy bears, and woven trays.

“We are grateful to be able to provide an opportunity for Thais at district level to promote their innovative arts and crafts and generate income. We are also giving a boost to Thai handicrafts by showcasing their uniqueness to Thais and foreigners,” says Starbucks Coffee Thailand MD Murray Darling. “Customers can buy these crafts through our 303 stores in Thailand.”

The bags are produced through a collaborative program between SACICT and the Department of Corrections that trains inmates of the Central Women’s Correctional Institution as part of a project under the royal initiative of Princess Bajarakitiyabha. The project aims to provide help and support to inspire women in prison to self-develop so they can find work after release.

The outfits for Starbucks’ teddy bears features Nong Bua Daeng handwoven material coloured through natural dyes by groups in Chaiyaphum.

Woven trays are a folk-art product from craftsmen in Varni Southern Wickery in Phatthalung province.“We believe this collaboration with Starbucks will help generate income for these local craftspeople while also showcasing Thai handicrafts and promoting these distinctive works to the public,” says SACICT CEO Amparwon Pichalai.