Thammasat Studies ‘Ko’ Thai Fabric

Thammasat University is researching "Thai textiles in Tambon Ko, Lamphun Province" (within Mae Ping National Park) to promote community sustainability. The initiative aims to add value through new patterns, tailoring, and innovations, supporting the fashion industry and creative economy in line with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother's royal initiatives.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Wuthigrai Siriphon, Assoc. Dean, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University, noted the continuous growth of Thailand's creative economy, projected to exceed 1.44 trillion baht in 2024 and create nearly 1 million jobs, particularly in the in-demand fashion and textile sectors. This growth is attributed to the Queen Mother's initiatives, which established a complete ecosystem for Thai textiles, promoting usage and stable professions.

The research team, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wuthigrai and Dr. Nalinee Nattithammakorn, is developing a holistic design concept for community handicraft products, focusing on textiles from Ko Subdistrict, the only community in Mae Ping National Park. This supports local livelihoods, enhances product value, and promotes appropriate natural resource use to reduce wildfire and PM2.5 risks.

Ko Subdistrict's community uniquely controls its textile production process from upstream (cotton cultivation) to downstream (sales). The research provides knowledge, skill development (pattern design, sewing), and natural dyeing techniques (Padauk and Pegaga bark) to create new garment lines and income, along with providing equipment.

These efforts have enhanced skills, increased product variety, value, and income, and utilize environmentally friendly production, aligning with SDGs (Goals 11, 12, and 15). The resulting garments have been exhibited at various events, including Bangkok Design Week and the National Research Expo, and will be shown at Chiangmai Design Week.

Currently, the textile creations are part of the rotating sustainability exhibition (SDGs) Phase 2, "Sustainable Cities and Communities," featuring over 40 works from social sciences and humanities faculties. The exhibition runs from November 2025 to February 2026 at the SDG Lab, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Interested individuals can book a visit online. The exhibition covers five zones: Climate Change, Sustainable Cities, Circular Economy, Agriculture/Food/Health, and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion.