Beads on Sarong in Rawai, Phuket

Different colors of tiny beads are being put on along the pattern of local sarong dresses called Pateh by a group of women who have been trained for sometime. Today the ordinary Sarong, widely worn in southern Thailand, is listed in up-market fashion houses and not surprisingly is famous among both Thais and foreign clients. The document certifies its Industrial standard and assures clients of the groups product quality. Each bead and color is carefully and neatly selected to suit the color and pattern of the material to ensure that they boost elegancy and preference of clients, Thais and foreigners. The group learnt that Thais are fond of simple styles and colors of the sarong, while tourists like Russian and Indians prefer bright and colorful beads. These products under the Lukpud Ruamjai literately meaning United Beads work group are a result of a get together from Muslim women of Rawai village in the south of Phuket island. They started off learning and hand-making the bead embroidery Sarong in their spare time. Waewta Thong-Ngam, a Member of the Bead Embroiderers on Sarong in Rawai, said now it becomes their regular monthly income in addition to their day-to-day jobs as it can add value: the cost of material may be only just over 100 baht and a bit more for the beads, but they can sell the completed article at almost 3,000 baht per piece. The Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Anchalee Vanit Theppabutr, supports the groups efforts and said that the government has a policy to continue supporting and promoting good quality community products, but will try to improve or change the forms. She cites the example that more fairs may be organized in regional locations and provide opportunities for foreign clients or markets to explore and get to know the products. In so doing she said the producers tend to get new orders and know the needs or demands of the potential markets. The work is a good example of what the government is trying to promote, a career or jobs which can generate income among local villagers and the activity can also foster closer ties among community members.