One of our events in 1970s

40th Anniversary in 2014

Our beginning

In the decade of the 1960’s, several American Baptist women missionaries based in Chiang Mai who were working with Karen and Lahu tribal people became very concerned about the poverty of those they were serving in Northern Thailand. Because of their dedication to serve these people at every level, including their economic needs, the missionaries decided that perhaps they could help the tribal people by seeking ways to market their beautiful craft products which might provide them with much needed cash income. Thus, these women added to their primary responsibilities in mission work, the acceptance of tribal crafts on consignment and sought places where they might sell them.

In 1973, The Thai Tribal Crafts (TTC) was established with main objective to provide opportunities for improving the quality of life of the tribal people in the Northern Thailand. We become a certified member of World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) since 2002 and operate fully under fair trade principles.

Vision

• A fair trading organization that eradicate poverty and provide sustainable development opportunities for the tribal people of northern Thailand so that they have better life and enable them to access their full potential in society. In all we do our aim is to show the love and mercy of God.

Our Mission

• To be a self-sustaining marketing agency of tribal handicrafts in both the domestic and overseas markets.
• To be a fair trade organization by treating both producers and consumers in a fair way.
• To help lift the economic level of the tribal people of Thailand.
• To practice fair trade and to show justice, so that both customers and producers are satisfied.
• To help tribal people preserve their traditional crafts and art.
• To encourage and promote the appropriate church activities.
• To share the good news of God with the tribal people of Thailand.

Our Principles

As a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), we adhere to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade:

1. Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
2. Transparency and accountability
3. Fair trading practices
4. Payment of a fair price
5. Ensuring no child labour and forced labour
6. Commitment to non discrimination, gender equity & women’s economic empowerment, and freedom of association
7. Ensuring good working conditions
8. Providing capacity building
9. Raising awareness and promoting fair trade
10. Respect for the environment