In 1985 the Appropriate Technology Association promoted organisation of women weavers in the agriculture sector in 24 villages in Roi Et, Surin and Sisaket provinces to empower women through job creation and traditional weaving activity. Natural dyes were used and developed further to create products that are more attractive to customers. The group was named ‘PhanMai’ meaning plants.
Since its formation, the group has developed knowledge, skill and expertise in weaving and natural dyeing. The group grew strong with systematic working and successfully built a network of weavers using natural dyes in the nearby areas.
Japanese customers placed orders for woven cotton with natural dyes on a monthly basis. Simple patterns and colours were chosen by Japanese buyers who also placed orders for different fabrics as seasons changed. European customers preferred processed silk products and the group made good sales in both retail and wholesale markets.
More women groups were later formed in the Northeastern region to do weaving with natural dyes. The sales of the ‘PhanMai’ group then went down for some time with similar products being made by many women groups. The ‘PhanMai’ group however continued on improving quality of its products and managed to gain good reputation for its high quality works.
From 2015 to 2021, with economic downturn and few orders from overseas countries coupled with impacts of the Covid 19, all export sales came to a halt.
Currently, the ‘PhanMai’ group has 179 members. Products made by the group include processed and unprocessed items such as natural dyed woven cotton, towels, silk shawls, scarves, shirts, blouses, trousers, dresses, bags, pencil cases etc.
