Revisiting Ban Lai Kaeo: A Legacy of Tradition in Doi Tao
The television program Thung Saeng Tawan returns to Ban Lai Kaeo in Chiang Mai to catch up with former child participants who are now preserving their village's weaving traditions.
The village of Ban Lai Kaeo in the Bong Tan sub-district of Doi Tao, Chiang Mai, recently welcomed back the production team of the long-running television program 'Thung Saeng Tawan.' The visit served as a reunion with two local residents, Bank Thanyawapat Kham-ai and Fuse Natthapas Pothi, who were featured on the show as children during its early years. Reflecting on their childhood experiences, the pair recalled participating in traditional activities such as gathering forest products, crafting handmade toys with local elders, and demonstrating the intricate process of cotton weaving. These early broadcasts were instrumental in introducing the village to a national audience. Today, Bank and Fuse continue to live and work in their hometown, actively contributing to the preservation of local crafts. The village remains committed to its heritage, with ongoing initiatives to expand cotton cultivation to support local textile production. For visitors and residents interested in Thai rural life, Ban Lai Kaeo offers a glimpse into a community dedicated to maintaining its cultural identity through sustainable practices. While the village continues to promote its weaving heritage, specific details regarding public tourism infrastructure or scheduled workshops for visitors remain to be confirmed by local community leaders.
