Bo Suak
Thailand
2024
Contact
N/A
Bo Suak village is a tranquil area located just 15 minutes from Nan City in Northern Thailand, where ancestral wisdom is preserved and shared across generations. The artistic heritage of the locals has been revitalized through the discovery of ancient kilns, leading to the creation of a museum that showcases the pottery unearthed during excavations. This museum also highlights the lifestyle of the Bo Suak people and emphasizes the strong community bonds among its members. Bo Suak is recognized for its historical significance, particularly its 750-year-old ancient kiln, and boasts a variety of historical artifacts beyond just the kiln and pottery. Among these is the Huan Bansuak Saen-Chuen Museum, which houses relics and ancient utensils found at the site, as well as items from local temples. Pottery and weaving are key components of the community’s cultural identity, noted for their unique craftsmanship and distinctive weaving patterns prevalent in Nan Province. Additionally, the community practices organic farming and embraces the principles of sufficient economy. It also features a rich array of historical beliefs and practices, including Thai blessing ceremonies and spiritual bamboo weaving intended to ward off negative influences and spirits.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Sustainable Development Initiatives
The Community Benefitting through Tourism (CBTT) program aims to establish sustainable connections between community-based tourism and local communities by leveraging existing local resources, including residents, raw materials, vegetables, and local products. This approach maximizes tourism benefits and ensures a fair distribution of income throughout the community. By sourcing raw materials from within the community rather than from supermarkets or external suppliers, local businesses can thrive. Additionally, these resources can be utilized in tourism activities, serving as decorations, souvenirs, and traditional costumes featuring unique patterns. As a result, the community can boost its revenue and ensure a broader distribution of income.
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Bosuak Cultural Festival
This initiative seeks to foster awareness among community members and outsiders regarding the value of local resources, promoting pride, appreciation, and wisdom within the community. An annual event known as the “Kong Dee Bo Suak Festival” showcases local culture through competitions that highlight traditional knowledge. This festival not only preserves local wisdom but also facilitates knowledge sharing between neighbouring communities. Furthermore, youth are encouraged to engage in cultural and environmental conservation by forming groups dedicated to learning about local resources during their free time.
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Women Empowerment
The Nan-Ner-Jaow Brand is dedicated to enhancing career opportunities and increasing income for women’s groups in Bo Suak village. Established by local housewives passionate about weaving, this brand aims to preserve traditional weaving techniques while developing unique designs and marketing handwoven products. This initiative generates income for local women, enabling them to enhance their skills and knowledge, thus contributing to the preservation of art and culture. It aligns with the long-term goals of sustainable development (SDGs).