Issue 50

Busaba has developed Thailand’s traditional cotton fabric into bags in various sizes and designs.

“Six years ago, I travelled to Japan and saw Japanese people using their traditional fabrics, such as kimonos, to make a lot of products. I then thought about using Thai traditional fabrics to do the same,” says Pornthep Sae-lee, the design director of Busaba craft and design company.

Initially, Sae-lee considered Thai silk, Thai batik and Pha-Kao-Mah (Thai Sarong) before opting for the latter believing that its plaid pattern would be readily accepted in global markets.

“The first merchandise I thought about was a bag because I am passionate about it and I know what users are looking for. They prefer light-weight and durable bags with a good design,” Sae-lee says.

Sae-lee has designed bags for every day use. Designs range from small ones, such as cosmetic purses, pencil wallets and purses, to larger ones, such as top handle bags and foldable bags. In addition to bags, Busaba makes textiles, stationery and gifts including key chains, mobiles and dolls.

Innovation, design, branding and production standards are the company’s strengths, says Sae-lee.

“We use innovation to make Busaba different from similar products in the market,” he adds. “There are a lot of Pha-Kao-Mah bags, but our products are coated with a plastic chemical substance that makes them water repellent. We focus on design in order to offer fashionable bags to people who like Thai fabrics.”

Busaba has received the Thailand Trust Mark from the DITP, which is the symbol of excellence and trusted quality. Currently, most of Busaba’s customers are Thais, with about 80% of sales to the domestic market and 20% overseas. Sae-lee sees Japan, Taiwan and ASEAN as key markets with a great potential for export growth.

“We have continually designed our products to better meet the requirements of Japanese and Taiwanese customers,” he says. “In the future, we will expand our overseas market, focusing on Japan. For ASEAN countries, we may penetrate Vietnam because the market has grown rapidly in recent years and people are ready to buy lifestyle products.”

For more information, visit www.busabaonline.com, follow FB: facebook.com/busaba.shop

Information courtesy of the DITP

Words by Somhatai Mosika