Development of Thai Japanese Style Scented Sachets Using Woven Krajood based on Thale Noi Community Wisdom, Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province

Abstract

The weaving of Thale Noi grey sedge (Krajood) represents a profound cultural wisdom that embodies local identity. This qualitative research, conducted through a case study methodology, aims to examine the community context and the traditional wisdom of Krajood weaving in the Thale Noi community, and to propose guidelines for developing Thai aromatic sachet products from Thale Noi Krajood. Data were collected from 13 key informants, including community leaders, committee members, and consumers, through in-depth interviews and were subsequently analyzed using content analysis. The research findings reveal that while the Thale Noi community has long maintained a lifestyle deeply intertwined with Krajood resources in the wetlands, it currently faces a shortage of successors to inherit this traditional wisdom, leading to a decline in cultivation areas. Regarding the craft itself, the study identifies unique characteristics such as the process of coating Krajood strands with white clay and flattening them before weaving them into intricate patterns, such as the Luk Kaew and Dok Pikul motifs. This technique produces textiles with a soft texture, flexibility, and durability through two primary stages: material preparation and weaving. Furthermore, the researcher integrated local wisdom to develop Japanese-style Thai aromatic sachets, aimed at modernizing the image of Thai fragrance products for use as gifts and souvenirs while simultaneously bolstering the community economy. This development process involves five stages: floral preparation, scent blending, sachet preparation, packaging, and decoration. The study concludes with recommendations for the conservation of natural Krajood sources in the Thale Noi area, the creation of product differentiation through cultural fusion, and the establishment of a digital database to preserve specialized Krajood weaving techniques.