Asst.Prof. Suvita Kaewareelap, a lecturer in the School of Languages and General Education at Walailak University, together with the Community Development Office of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and the provincial government, organized activities to support Krajud product makers in the Khuan Khreng peat swamp forest area. This area covers 5 districts: Cha-uat, Chian Yai, Chalerm Phra Kiat, Ron Phibun, and Hua Sai in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The main goal of this project is to help local producers register their products under the Geographical Indications (GI) program. This program certifies that the products come from a specific geographic area to guarantee the quality and reputation of the products, especially Krajud products from Nakhon Si Thammarat. The project also helps protect the cultural heritage of Krajud weaving and creates more economic opportunities for local communities.

The project has two main activities:

1. Public meetings: Meetings with local producers are held to plan how to register the products under the GI program. These meetings help everyone understand the rules and benefits of GI registration better.
2. Visits and knowledge sharing: Field visits are organized to give advice on product design and share knowledge about the special Krajud weaving techniques from Khuan Khreng. The focus is on protecting and promoting the unique weaving art and culture of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

This project matches Sustainable Development Goal 1.4.1, which supports local start-ups, especially in preserving and promoting traditional crafts. Participants learn all steps of Krajud weaving, from collecting raw materials to making finished products. This helps them use their skills to create steady income.

By the end of the project, participants not only learn more about designing products from reeds but also take important steps to register their community’s reed products under the GI system. The project is expected to help the community keep its important cultural heritage while supporting local start-up businesses focused on traditional crafts in a sustainable way.