Issue 15

Thailand’s best designers cause quite a stir at the country’s major houseware and gift fair.

Thailand showcased some of its leading designers at the 38th annual Bangkok International Gift Fair (BIG) and Bangkok International Houseware (BIH) Fair in October. Held in conjunction with the Thai Lifestyle Products Federation (TLPF) and Design & Objects Association, and presided over by Deputy Minister of Commerce, Apiradee Thanthraporn, this year’s theme was ASEAN Life+Style.

“The fair was held to promote Thailand as the largest manufacturing and exporting hub in Asia for gifts, decorative and lifestyle products as well as a platform for foreign buyers to engage with exhibitors,” said DITP Director-General Nuntawan Sakuntanaga.

Over 30,000 visitors were expected to attend the event over five days from October 19 to 23 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), raising some three billion baht in sales.

Categorised in six groups, exhibits included gift and souvenirs, decorations, handicrafts, and green and eco products. The highlight of this event was the showcase of unique design objects and decorative items for hospitality businesses including products for hotels, spas, pubs and bars in the Hospitality Objects Thailand (HOT) Zone.

The fairs also featured 83 outstanding design products which have received the Design Excellence Award (DEmark) 2013; 33 of these have received a certified G-Mark from Japan as well.

Exhibitors also stressed the importance of developing eco-friendly and sustainable products for new markets.

“BAMBUNIQUE is committed to conserving the environment, hence the products are designed with bamboo,” said Amornthep Kachanonda, Executive Director of Natural Unit, which produces interior décor and furniture under the BAMBUNIQUE brand. “Combining techniques and traditional skills, the brand features unique yet classic decoration items.” The company’s major markets include Mexico, Kuwait, Singapore and Morocco.

The development of awards such as DEmark and ASIA TALENTS is seen as one of the major factors behind companies accessing new markets.

“The brand has seen significant growth due to the quality of products and has earned several awards,” said Tanisa Veerasaksri, Director of Sales and Marketing of gems trading business Ravipa Jewellery. The company was featured in Talent Thai 2013. “The brand has received lots of interest from
both local and international customers resulting from Thai Designer Promoting Project, which was initiated by the DITP.”

To further develop Thai designers and companies in overseas markets, Director of the Thailand Institute of Design and Innovation, ML Kathathong Thongyai, re-launched ASIA TALENTS campaign under the concept of Ideas For Tomorrow at the fairs. The campaign features over 30 product designers within the region. ASIA TALENTS was first unveilled at the 37th BIG and BIH, which took place in April 2014.

For more information, please visit http://designers360.net and www.facebook.com/ditptalentthai

Words by Manisa Phromsiripranee