Water Hyacinth Weaving for Sapphaya Community Development

Did you know that in Samphaya District, our hometown, there's a group called "Water Hyacinth Craft community" (Pak Tob Chawa Craft Group) that has significantly contributed to the value and reputation of our community? Founded in 2530 B.E. (1987), with Mrs. Jarueanporn as the group leader, it began as an initiative to utilize free time after rice farming. They chose Pak Tob Chawa (water hyacinth) as their craft material due to its abundance along the Ping, Wang, and Nan rivers, which converge at the Chao Phraya River. The abundance of Pak Tob Chawa led them to weave it into various crafts, replacing bamboo strips traditionally used for weaving.

Their goals extend beyond creating livelihoods and income for the community; they aim to foster camaraderie and mutual understanding among residents on both sides of the Chao Phraya River, promoting unity and community development through sustainable livelihoods. Their craftsmanship has garnered recognition, earning them the prestigious Top 5-Star OTOP (One Tambon One Product) award for Chai Nat Province in 2538 B.E. (1995). Their products, known for their intricacy and variety, range from tens to tens of thousands of baht, depending on the complexity of the weaving. Moreover, they have gained international recognition and exported their products to markets in countries like Japan, China, Singapore, and the United States.