Bo Yang Batik group of Muang district Songkhla was founded by elderly women in Bo Yang community to conserve the way of life, culture and local wisdom. Most of the members are elderly but strive to create jobs and occupation, and develop women’s potentials. The group also participates actively in various social activities and is well recognized by Songkhla municipality which often supports the group’s activities.
In 2013, the group was informally formed and the members participated in embroidery training. After that training the group purchased finished batik clothes and embroidered crystals in line with the fabric’s printed pattern. The work got attention of many customers. During that time, the group members worked on the fabrics individually and sold their works separately.
From 2016 to 2017, embroidered fabrics were hard to sell due to high prices. Customers rarely repeated purchases and the group members started to lose income. The group then changed its strategy by making low cost products and selling at lower prices. Training on printing and dyeing of batik fabrics were conducted for members. The group then began selling its products to friends and in the local market. Although sale volume is still small, the group continues to develop its products as well as making business plan and developing online sales channels; this initiative is supported by the Foundation for Labour and Employment Promotion.
The group’s products include sarongs, shawls, skirts, shirts, bags and masks with patterns printed on fabrics and written with wax then dyed again. This technique creates beautiful patterns and colours, and maintains the traditional process. It also reflects the local lifestyle of women in the south who still use batik sarongs in everyday life.
