Bangkok: The Department of Science Service (DSS), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has launched an initiative titled "Building Collaboration to Develop a Network for Standardized and Environmentally Friendly Community Handicraft Production and Promoting Public Policy." The workshop, organized by the Community Science and Technology Institute (CSTI), aimed to enhance the production processes of community handicrafts, aligning them with global standards and environmental sustainability. This collaborative effort involves multiple stakeholders including government bodies, private sector entities, academic institutions, and local communities. Dr. Pojaman Thachin, who serves as the Deputy Director-General acting as Director-General of DSS, officiated the opening ceremony, while Ms. Apaporn Sindhusarn, the Director of CSTI, delivered the opening remarks at The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pojaman Thachin emphasized the importance of integrating environmental standards into the production of community handicrafts to boost global trade competitiveness and consumer confidence. The initiative seeks to go beyond the preservation of local wisdom, aiming to improve the quality, safety, and eco-friendliness of Thai community products to enhance their market value.
The Department of Science Service plays a crucial role in supporting community entrepreneurs through research, testing, and product standardization, while promoting environmentally friendly production technologies. These technologies include the use of natural dyes derived from clay, cassia pods, and teak leaves, and developing starch-based glue techniques to replace batik wax, thereby reducing chemical use and environmental impact. Such efforts aim to boost the international competitiveness of Thai handicrafts.
Ms. Apaporn Sindhusarn highlighted the seminar's goal of fostering collaboration among various sectors to develop knowledge, technology, and standards for eco-friendly handicrafts. It also set the groundwork for the Green Craft Network, which will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, expansion of green technologies, and advocacy for public policy recommendations regarding community handicraft development.
The event featured a special lecture on the significance of collaboration in promoting eco-friendly community handicrafts as public policy, an exhibition showcasing high-quality and environmentally friendly community handicraft products, a panel discussion with experts from various fields, and a public hearing to gather feedback for policy formulation. This feedback will contribute to national-level policy proposals aimed at advancing community handicrafts.
This initiative underlines the Department of Science Service's commitment to integrating science, technology, and innovation with local knowledge to elevate the standards and environmental sustainability of Thai community handicrafts. It seeks to build robust production networks, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth in Thailand's grassroots economy across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.