Weekend picks

Published on September 21, 2007

The products of the Kajood shop in Chatuchak Plaza have been fermented in mud. But don't let that put you off. The process makes the baskets flexible, durable and keeps them from getting mouldy. Besides, they are beautiful.

Former engineer Chayawat Dangma opened Kajood in 2001 in Chatuchak Weekend Market. The shop moved to Chatuchak Plaza in 2002, and is stocked with a comprehensive selection of unique home decor items and accessories from Surat Thani's Phun Phin district.

"Many years ago the inhabitants in Phun Phin district wanted to raise the income of their community, so they were united as the Chaksan Kajood group to produce a line of handmade basketworks with a traditional technique under the Kajood label," says Chayawat, a 32-year-old graduate of Karnchanapisek Technical College Mahanakorn's Faculty of Engineering.

All products are made of bulrush, which comes from a swampy forest in Poon Pin district and some products mix in other natural materials like silk, cotton and leather.

"I entered the Chanksan Kajood group in Poon Pin district after quitting my career as an engineer during the 1997 financial crisis. In 2001 I wanted to enlarge the target market from customers in Surat Thani to Bangkokians and foreigners, so I decided to open a store in Chatuchak Weekend Market and Chatuchak Plaza to display our collection," says Chayawat.

At the heart of Kajood's design are shades of pink, brown, green, red and natural colours, which are featured in more than 10 patterns such as marble, bullet wood, flowing water. The collections include handbags, shoulder bags, hats, baskets, storage boxes, mats and suitcases.

"Our products have a good quality, we have fermented them with mud. This makes them pliable and durable," says Chayawat. "Besides, they won't get mouldy after being cleaned with water."

Kajood's products are exported to many countries in Asia and Europe. Shoppers can also place custom orders. Kajood will also show its latest collection at the Otop City fair at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani in December. 

Hands on

Beautiful handmade baskets with leather handles come in natural colours. Prices range from Bt280 and Bt350.

Keep a lid on

Use natural materials to protect you from the baking sun. Big-brimmed hats with bows range in price from Bt250 to Bt300 each. There are a variety of designs and sizes.

Carry me back

Bulrush bags come in natural colours and different designs. A square-shaped shoulder bag is Bt320 and an A4-size document bag with a handle is Bt450.

Boxed up

Handmade boxes come in a variety of patterns and shapes. There is a set of three big storage boxes, a group of three square-shaped boxes and a CD box. Prices range from Bt80 to Bt540.

Wicker man

A collection of five bulrush wicker baskets comes in natural colours. These are Bt350 each.

Boxed up

Handmade boxes come in a variety of patterns and shapes. There is a set of three big storage boxes, a group of three square-shaped boxes and a CD box. Prices range from Bt80 to Bt540.

Going someplace

These refined suitcases have leather straps and come in a variety of designs, sizes and colours. Prices range from Bt750 to Bt950.

Pattarawadee Saengmanee