Maha sarakham: Housewives in Maha Sarakham Municipality are turning to the craft of weaving hand-woven doormats as a means to supplement their income, using government funds to invest in equipment and materials. Despite challenges such as the rising cost of fabric, these women have managed to create a niche market for their durable and colorful products, primarily relying on pre-orders to sustain their business.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Auyaphorn Onmak, a 48-year-old resident of Khum Thanyawat 2, has been at the forefront of this initiative. After receiving training on how to weave doormats from fabric scraps, she organized a group of 10 women to produce these hand-crafted items. Despite initial success, only three members remain active due to the increasing cost and scarcity of fabric, which now sells for 18 baht per kilogram. This price point allows the creation of just two doormats, significantly reducing profit margins.
Mrs. Onmak and her group can craft approximately 20 doormats each day, de
dicating 30 minutes to each mat. The production cost stands at about 5 baht per mat, which they sell wholesale for 15 baht and retail for 20 baht. This venture generates a modest daily income of around 200 baht, mainly driven by pre-orders. The women emphasize the superior strength and longevity of their hand-woven doormats compared to machine-made alternatives.
Despite the dwindling number of active members, the group continues to work from home, maximizing their free time to enhance their financial stability. Interested buyers can reach out through the Maha Sarakham Fabric Scraps Facebook page to place orders or seek further information.