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2012

Prepared by Thibault Le Minoux

[intern in Green Net Cooperative]

27/12/2012

Fair Trade in Thailand

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I Introduction

Understanding Fair Trade Fair Trade principles History of Fair Trade movement

II Objectives

III Methodology

IV Analysis of datas

V Fair Trade in Thailand

History Impacts on producers Presence in the locals market, specialized shops and mainstream shops

VI Challenges

Network challenge Business/ market challenge Limited knowledge of the mainstream market

VII Opportunities

Big mainstream market demand Trend in natural and traditional values Rising ethical consumers demand Growth of green consumption in Thailand New medias

VIII Actions to conduct

Launch a Thai Fair Trade network and make it efficient Launch a certification system Engaging government support

IX Listing of Fair Trade organization

X Directory

Table of contents

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I - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Understanding Fair Trade Fair Trade, as a movement, promotes fair standards in international labor, environmental protection and social policy in relation to the production and trading of goods, particularly those that are exported from developing countries to developed countries. It attempts to counter the imbalance between the poor producers and the rich consumers which conventional trade reinforces. Fair Trade is a development process that aims to infuse in the trading system the need take forward the partnership between producer and consumer by making their relationship go beyond being buyer and seller. Although continually evolving through time, this concept recognizes the needs of both the producer and consumer and their responsibilities to each other. Fair trade is also favorable to consumers because it is a mechanism which ensures that goods and services have excellent quality, reasonably priced, and consumer-sensitive. Four main Fair Trade networks (i.e. Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International, International Fair Trade Association, Network of European Worldshops, and European Fair Trade Association) define Fair Trade as, ..a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. Fair Trade advocates for a trading system that is socially just and environmentally sustainable.

1.2 Fair Trade Principles

Fair Trade empowers marginalized producers and workers by assisting them to be economicallyself sufficient. Their economic security is one of the most crucial factors that define their quality of life. However, Fair Trade is not limited to ensuring a fair price for their goods. Fair Trade takes into account the costs of production, as well as the social costs and environmental costs. These principles form the backbone of Fair Trade: > creating opportunities for economically-disadvantaged producers Fair Trade endeavors to provide opportunities for producers who are marginalized in the conventional trading system. It is a strategy to alleviate poverty. > transparency and accountability Trading partners commit to transparent management and commercial relations.

>capacity-building In Fair Trade, producers and workers are empowered in the process to ensure sustainability. They are provided with management and marketing skills and access to new markets. > payment of a fair price A fair price is agreed upon by the producers and traders based on the cost of production, social costs and environmental costs. The amount is determined through dialogue and participation. Fair Trade also guarantees the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men. Traders confer punctual payment to the producers, and whenever possible, provides financial support for pre-production costs.

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>gender equity Aside from getting paid for their contributions in the production process, women are enpowered as valued members of the organization and community. They are given equal rights on participation, access to information, management and decision-making..

>working conditions Safe and healthy working conditions are made available to workers and producers. The participation of children in the workforce is also sanctioned by the UN Convention Rights of the Child as well as international labor laws. > ecological integrity Environmentally-sound methods of production are observed, by taking into

account factors such as the maximum utilization of raw materials, efficiency in energy consumption, and pollution costs.1

1.3 The Fair Trade Movement : history

It started in the 1940s and the 1950s as an informal activity perpetuated by religious groups and non-government organizations in developed countries, who, aware of the great inequality in global economy, voluntarily imported handicrafts from Third World countries. The local communities where those products came from were thus provided with livelihood whereas, the buyers in the well-off countries perceived of buying these products as a gesture of donation. At the same time, Dutch third world groups began to sell cane sugar with the message by buying cane sugar you give people in poor countries a place in the sun of prosperity. These groups went on to sell handicrafts from the South, and in 1969 the first Third World Shop opened. World Shops, or Fair Trade shops as they are called in other parts in the world, have played (and still play) a crucial role in the Fair Trade movement.

Fair Trade evolved and gained more support in the 1960s in Europe as waves of protests against neo-imperialism scrutinized multi-national corporations and the flawed global free market economic model, both of which obstruct the fair and equal access to the markets by producers. To establish fair trade relations between the developed and developing countries, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) promoted Trade not Aid . This approach put the emphasis on the establishment of equitable trade relations with the South, instead of seeing the North appropriate all the benefits and only returning a small part of these benefits in the form of development aid. The first products which exported were mostly handicrafts due to the contact of christian missionaries.

Then, coffee was the first food product exported and it is still the most sold fair trade product today. After coffee, the food range was expanded and it now includes products like tea, cocoa, sugar, wine, fruit j uices, nuts, spices, rice, etc.

By the mid 80s there was a desire to come together more formally and the end of the decade saw the foundation of the European Fair Trade Association (EFTA, an association of the 11 largest importing organisations in Europe) in 1987 and the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), now the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), in 1989. Networking between Fair Trade Organizations is crucial to their success. All over the world, networks have been established. Regional networks include the WFTO Asia (formerly Asia Fair Trade Forum - AFTF), Co-operation for Fair Trade in Africa (COFTA), WFTO Latin America (formerly the Association Latino Americana de Commercio Justo - IFAT LA) and WFTO Europe (formerly - IFAT Europe).1

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II - Objectives

This report aims to demonstrate the current status of Fair Trade activities in Thailand today, with a particular focus on the network of Fair trade in Thailand whose membership base. The objective is to create a umbrella group of all Thailand Fair Trade organizations in order to campaign for raising awarness of Thai consumers about Fair Trade issues. mains objectives : -to take stock of the Fair Trade situation in Thailand -to establish a network of local Fair Trade organizations -to developp the domestic market -to lobby and campaign for raising the awareness Thai consumers about Fair Trade issues

III Methodology Primary data for this report was gathered through key informant interviews and a survey conducted among Fair Trade organizations in Thailand. Making a listing of them was a first step. Then, visits were made with some of those which were interested in the project. Mostly, face to face interviews were conducted with the officers and/or individual members of the organizations. To consolidate the results of their trading activities, survey forms were also sent to the differents FT organizations with known trading activities. However, they did not all respond. Only 8 forms were sent back, thus providing at limitation to some of the primary data pertaining to sales, employment generated, and producer reach as presented herein.

IV Analysis of datas An inventor of differents Fair Trade organizations in Thailand shows that there are around 20 organizations with running businesses, plus the producers cooperatives which are not counted in this report but which have been contacted for being part of the Network. Of those Fair Trade organizations only 8 answered the profile questionnaires and only 5 of them declared to be interested to take part in a commons network. All the organizations interviewed face to face (4 of them) were positive to get involved to create a national Fair Trade Network. Among the 8 who answered 6 are FT handicraft retailers and 2 are support organizations. And among the 5 which are interested on the network, 4 are handicrafts retailers and 1 is a support organization and groceries retailer.

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V Fair Trade in Thailand

History It is hard to define a precise birth of the Fair Trade movement in Thailand. Some organizations have been directly involved in organic and Fair Trade issues for many years. However, we could define 3 streams of Fair Trade history in Thailand. As the global begining of Fair Trade, the first stream started with religious organizations which were mostly related to Christian foundation from Europe such as Christian Service Foundation (Thai Tribal Craft nowadays) which aimed to provide better opportunities and quaility of life to poor and marginalized producers in Thailand. Historically, they started in 1973 to export handicraft from the poor hilltribes in the North part of Thailand to European countries via their own network. Fair Trade organizations in Thailand have evolved since and the second and third streams started when some of the historical organizations became independents from Christian groups and when some support organizations which were more focus on development problems start to progressively fully integrated Fair Tarde issues on their concerns since many of them where already indirectly related to. At that time, there were also a few personal initiatives from foreigners to launch their own Fair Trade organizations in Thailand in order to help local communities by running their own business and selling products from those communities by differents means (fairs, independent outlets, e-commerce). The main type of product from those organizations remain handicraft (i.e ThaiCraft, Thai Tribal craft, Sawang Boran, Lofty Bamboo). As an example, 60% of the all WFTO Asian members are handicraft organizations.2 All of those organizations used to run and work on their own side and there is, so far, no commons movement between Fair Trade organizations for creating a FT network in Thailand. Changes has come as well from consumers. Even if the main buyers for Fair Trade products remains Northern countries such as European countries or the USA, there is currently, a trend of an expanding domestic market and a bigger demand among a part of the Thai population. The Thai population is changing. More and more people want products which are healthier and have better quality.

The potiential of the domestic market is growing as Thailand changes itself at an international level. So finally the very begining of Fair Trade in Thailand dates from the past and matches with the global start of Fair Trade when it was reserved at the beginning to few Christian and charity organizations and when it targeted more Northern countries. Many of the FT organizations have evolved since and are from now on independent and focusing more on the domestic market which has growing potential. However a lot of work on promotion is needed to raise the awarness of Thai consumers. 3&4

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Impacts on producers The numbers of producers and family of producers who are benefiting directly or indirectly from Fair Trade and/or organic production is estimated to be a few thousands artisans and producers families aorund Thailand. Most of them are concentrated in the Northem region and North-east also called Isaan. The benefits enjoyed by these families ranged from having actual income that allows them to live in a more decent way of life and by having a healthier and more sustainable community environment. A 2009 study by 3 italians university researchers who interviewed 360 Thai farmers from Green Net network producers reveal that Thai labelled farmers annual income (organic labelling, ACT) was much higher (60 942 THB) compared to conventional famers (41 646 THB).6

All of those families are now self-sufficient and earn more income than with conventional farming and production.

Presence in the local market, specialized shops and mainstream shops So far, there is just a really small presence in the shop for Fair Trade products. Some organizations have their own business outlets running (Thai tribal craft, Lofty Bamboo), while some others choose to organize their own regular fair to sell their products (ThaiCraft). Most of these shops sell primarily handicraft products. Customers in these shops/fairs are mostly foreigners who are already aware of Fair Trade issues. However, some organizations realize that more and more Thai people are willing to buy Fair Trade products especialy when they are sold in mainstream locations (i.e Burumgrad Hospital for ThaiCraf).3 All the Fair Trade groceries are, so far, mostly intended for the foreign market.

Burumgrad Hospital Thai Craft Fair

Lofty bamboo shop

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VI Challenges

Network challenge For the moment, there is no functioning Fair Trade organizations network. The few numbers of FT organizations and their relative individualism make the creation harder. There was already an event in 2010 which gathered the main organizations but at lack of monitoring did not allow to redo this event. The study showed that there is just a few who are really interested by gathering their forces into a network and some of them are not interested to approach the domestic market neither. Some of the organizations also currently encounter structual issues which could slowdown their own activities and involvement. Some of them feel isolated since there have no others help than their own resources.

The biggest challenge for networking is to pool the resources of each organizations and regularly keep on track by organizing regular meeting with the organizations.3

World Fair Trade Day 2010 in Bangkok

Business challenges

Low Consumer Awareness and Visibility Consumer demand is a key to the growth of Fair Trade in Thailand, however consumers support will only augur well if products are visible and accessible to them. Today, the general feeling is that Fair Trade products remain within the confines of very limited specialty shops and those that make it to large mainstream outlets are hardly recognized as fair trade products because they are marketed like any other conventional product. It is still really difficult for FT organizations and producers to be visible and accessible to Thai consumers.

Consumers concerns on product quality and safety, a healthier lifestyle as well as the protection of the environment are among the driving forces in the continued growth of fair trade sales worldwide. But Thai people still need to be convinced and to be really informed about Fair Trade issues as they do not feel concerned by all of these values.

Building a strong consumer base for locally produced fair trade products remains a big issue for a future FT network.

Fair trade products need to become more visible and accessible. Most of the current customers for Fai r trade products still remains foreigners.

One of the reasons, for this low awareness level is the lack of a strong message that is relatable to consumers. Right now, the message spread to Thai consumers about Fair Trade products is not about Fair Trade values but about the quality of products sold.

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The definition of Fair Trade is too loaded with development concepts and jargons that ordinary consumers find it difficult to immediately catch.

Fair Trade organizations should look into translating the message of fair trade to something that ordinary Thai consumers can relate to. A labelling system is also a good opportuniy to get the message across Thai consumers.

Market visibility and accessibility requires interplay of factors. One is the conduct of an int ensive consumer awareness campaign to show the availability of fair trade products in the domestic market, as well as the education of consumers on the significance of such products to their health, the protection of the environment and to the lives of small scale farmers and producers. 3 & 4

Limited knowledges from the mainstream market and Thai consumers

The mainstream market presents a huge potential for Thai FTOs. There is still a really small presence in this market for Fair Trade products. So far, many of the organization could not move towards this direction, despite being a logical option if growth is an objective of the organization. To some extent there is fear among FTOs to venture into the mainstream market primarily because of their lack of knowledge about the requisites and nuances of this market and the lack or trust and often unfair business relationship from the mainstream market.

Many of those organizations decide to choose not to be on the mainstream market for the reason that, as a small business and working they usually can not supply the big and regular mainstream market demand wich also require to pay an entrance fee, that not all these orgnaziations can afford.

A study about sustainble consumption in Thailand also showed that most of t he Thai people think that Fair Trade products (and most generally sustainable products) remains expensive for their budget.3

VII Opportunities

Big mainstream market demand

The mainstream market has a huge demand not only for products under the handicrafts or gifts categories but also for healthy and responsibly produced food products. According to the study about sustainable consumption, there is 3 main groups of Thai consumers, the ones who go to specialized shop, the high-end supermarket customers and the discount supermarket customers. The first category as they are already concerned about sustainable issues are more interested about the information and ths story of the products while the 2 others category were more attracted by lower prices. However the high and middle general customers feels more and more willing to buy sustainable food for their image as green and modern consumers. The study also showed that high-end and middle class would be interested to have a closer link to producers, by having activities engaged with them (visit to farms i.e). They would be more willing to buy sustainable products (and Fair Trade) as they know exaclty how the product is made and where it comes from. As the first category is more aware of the benefits of sustainable food they dont bother by paying a higher price for it, while the 2 others categories are more concerned about a lower prices. However all categories think that they will be ok to buy sustainable and Fair Trade food if its only 15% more than conventional product.4

Trend in natural and traditional values

In Thailand, in spite of the fast economic growth due to a liberal policy and the fast westernization especially in cities, there is a trend for many Thai to tend to go back to traditional and natural values that they were taught in their youth. A return to natural and traditional products, natural medicine and a better understanding of their environment. This can be found with traditonal handicraft and natural medicine, as well as the search of healthier food. The success of OTOP programme demonstrates that tendency quite well.3 & 4

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Tradional Sewing. Picture : Sawang Boran Picture : Thai Tribal craft

Rising ethical consumer base In Asia and elsewhere in the world there is a growing number of people adopting an ethical lifestyle which is creating the increasing demand for products made under responsible conditions.

This lifestyle shift among consumers contributed largely to the success of Fair Trade in Europe. Across Asia and the Pacific, a Research released by Mastercard revealed that a high percentage of consumers in China, Th ailand, India and HongKong are drawn to products based on fair trade principles. These consumers also indicated that they would go out of their way and not mind paying a higher price if they know that part of the p roceeds will go to a good cause 5

VIII - Actions to conduct

Launch a Thai Fair Trade Network and make it efficient >The network needs to find a lead organization which can dedicate some part of its time to FT network issuses, by organizing meetings on a regular base between all the organizations involved.

Advantage : It will help the different involved organizations to keep track of the others activities and it will allow to regularlly discuss about the direction of the movement. It will also help to confront the various point of views and visions about this network.

This also will help the various organizations to get to know each other better.

>The network should organize a common event around Fair Trade (around a WFT Day 2013 could be good idea) where it could also launch the certification system (if its already set). This event should target young people who are aware of this issues (like social enterprise university students) as they are the next important generation of buyers.3 Plus, they could raise the awareness of their families about Fair Trade issues as well.

It is also important to link consumers to producers by organizing informal meetings, in order that consumers

realize the real impacts of Fair Trade to farmers. Attending activities between consumers and producers not only will strengthen trust between themselves, it also gives consumers a much deeper understanding of the benefits and impacts of Fair Trade.3

The event could take different forms : forums, fair tasting, fair fashion shows, screening-debates.

But the message of the Thai FT network to consumers should be really targeted for consumers issues and be clear.

Advantage : it will be helpful for the Thai Network start doing a common events together. And having a visibility for the public.

Launch a local Fair Trade certification system One of the main goal for the Thai Fair Trade network will be to launch a local Fair trade certification and labelling system. This will provide an accountable guarantee to consumers that fair trade practices are being employed.

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For organizations which received the certification, it denotes their exemplary achievement in adhering to the standards and principles of Fair Trade and that such adherence is verifiable. It is hoped that through the certification (through possibly a marks distinctive iconography), a Fair Trade brand, which conveys the quality of both product and the progressive business practices exercised in its production will be established.

Engaging government support The Thai Social Enterprise Office (TSEO) could be a good window of opportunity for the FT Network to institutionalize government support to fair trade and other small producers espousing social entrepreneurship. The main fields by the social entreprise are sustainable tourism, healthcare, alternative energy and recyc ling. Many of these fields could be connected to organic and Fair Trade issues. The government support for social enterprise is really increasing and will have a great potential for development in the next years.6 Moreover the younger generation seems to embrassing the movement.

Strategic partnerships with government programmes such as OTOP or Doi Kham Royal Project are potential considerations for the network to establish, since the programmes of these agencies could have a natural fit to the activities of the network and individual FTOs.

TSEO logo

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IX Listing of the main Fair Trade organizations in Thailand Green Net/ Earth Net

Green Net Co-operative was established in 1993 in Bangkok by a group of producers and consumers. Farmers were suffering rises in their production costs and at the same time a decline in the prices of agricultural products. Meanwhile, Thai consumers were becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of pesticides on their health and on the environment. Green Net was set up in response to this demand for organic and equitable produce and now comprises five farmers organisations totalling 996 members, as well as 81 consumer members. In 2002 Green Net was certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) and it now exports Fairtrade rice to Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden.

It was the first wholesaler of fresh organic produce in Thailand and plans to expand its expo rts to other Asian markets. It works as a marketing and distribution center for the diverse products of its farmer members including: rice, coconut milk,herbal teas, soybeans,and eco-textiles.

Green Nets goal is to serve as a marketing channel for small-scale organic farmers with fair trade principles in its marketing activities. It aims to do this in four ways: - Promoting the organic way of life through marketing and producing high quality organic and natural products - Conducting trade with a fair price for producers and buyers - Campaigning for the environment and fair trade - Being a model organization of social business and encouraging other business bodies to be more concerned with consumer safety, environmental conservation and social responsibility. Green Net has been a pioneer in organic agriculture, founding a national organic certification body (the Organic Agriculture Certification Thailand or ACT). In 2000, it founded Earth Net Foundation to consolidate its work in research and development of organic products and the promotion of community enterprises. Earth Net Foundation provides a number of services to the farmers including forums, quality assurance, farmer field schools and organic farming technology as well as promoting consumer awareness. Meanwhile Green Net is focused on bringing the values of Fairtrade into farming groups: capacity building, gender equality, transparency, sustainability and respect.7

More info on : www.greenet.or.th

Green Net/Earth

Net

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ThaiCraft began in 1975 as Hilltribe Sales at the International Church of Bangkok. These volunteer-run events at International School Bangkok's former downtown campus operated until 1992. In August of that year the ThaiCraft Association became an independent development organisation, For the first year only, small start -up administration grants were received from Dutch (ICCO) and British (ODA/Oxfam) funding agencies. By retaining a small share of sales revenue, ThaiCraft soon became and has remained a financially self -sufficient organisation.

ThaiCraft Forms a Limited Company to Expand and Develop the Market

ThaiCraft's export sales grew following a substantial devaluation of the Thai Baht, caused by the Asian financial crisis of 1997/1998. In response, ThaiCraft restructured in 2000/2001 to create a new limited company, ThaiCraft Fair Trade Company Limited, to expand both export and domestic sales opportunities. The company employs local staff and utilizes new informational technology for more efficient, improved customer service. ThaiCraft endeavors to continue strong growth by offering competitive prices for unusual, qual ity products.

Capacity Building and the ThaiCraft Artisan Groups

In the beginning, ThaiCraft partnered with 25 artisan groups from villages in Central, North and Northeast Thailand. Some Southern groups joined later in 1995. Over the years, more than 80 groups have been involved, from remote hilltribe minorities in the North to Muslim fishing communities in the deep South; from city slum dwellers to rice -paddy farmers far off the beaten track. Small but valued grants came at times from the Ford Foundation a nd the Canada Fund to help strengthen producer capacity in villages and in training opportunities. Today, ThaiCraft's 70 partner groups come from all regions of Thailand.8

More info in: http://www.thaicraft.org

Sawang Boran is a village community composed of weavers women based in Isaan.

They produce, since 2007, ethical silks specialised in indigenous silkworm varieties, organic traditional processes, and natural dyes. Unlike most crafts promotion programs, Sawang Boran seeks only minimal adaptation to the market, and pursues authentic traditional quality rather than quantity. It has invested most heavily in its best asset, the villagers themselves, their skills and creativity. In its first two years of operation, the venture has experienced an astonishingly intense reawakening of local talent and inventiveness without any outsider 'design' other than Dr.

ThaiCraft Ltd.

Sawang Boran

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Trottiers nurturing of each weaver's best abilities. Locally owned creativity resulting in authenti city appeals, on the demand side, to a discerning market frustrated with the standardization of things Asian. On the supply side, it promotes villagers happy cultivation of cultural pride and excellence, and the realization that the village, in particular its women, can have economic agency rather than marginal status dependent on industry, migration and hand-outs.

Sawang Boran has also created its own model of ethical business for the textile tradition and its many -layered values to flourish sustainably, by serving both producers and users human need for living cultural value. Through giving the artisans cultural ownership and fair trade pricing, Sawang Boran enable empowerment through trade.

At the end of 2008, Sawang Boran and its home village were selected by the Thai authorities to be accredited with the Golden Peacock certification that is granted only to silk produced from purely indigenous breeds and dyed with natural colors. The project has also been honored to receive a visit of a Special Advisor o f the Agriculture Ministry and of the Director of the Queen Sirikit Institute of Sericulture, who wish the venture to result in a model silk -making village.3

More info on : http://weaving.sawangboran.com/

Thai Tribal Crafts (TTC), established in 1973, is an agency sponsored by the Christian Service Foundation (Baptist) and registered in Chiang Mai in the name of "Thai Tribal Crafts". The main objective of TTC is to provide opportunities for improving the quality of life of the tribal people in the Northern Thailand. They are member of WFTO since 2002.

Vision

The vision of Thai Tribal crafts is to trade as a Fair Trading Organization through providing development opportunities for the tribal peoples of Northern Thailand so that they can have a better life.

Missions

- To be a non-profit marketing agency of tribal handicrafts in both the domestic and overseas markets. - To be a Fair Trade Organization by treating both producers and customers 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 to be able to preserve their traditional crafts and arts. - To encourage and promote the appropriate church activities.

More info on : http://www.ttcrafts.co.th/

Thai Tribal Craft

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Lofty Bamboo are two Fair Trade stores located in Kaoh san road and MBK Mall, in Bangkok. They sells handicraft products for daily use have traditionally been crafted by villagers using finely -honed skills passed down through generations. However, these villages do not have connections with the outside market, and, even if they did, smal l native producers usually find themselves at a trading disadvantage.

They respect the 10 principles of Fair Trade written by WFTO in their business running. They are also member of WFTO Asia since 2011. They are also member and partners of ThaiCraft Ltd. and partner of Thai tribal craft.

More info on : http://www.loftybamboo.com/

Lanna Coffee exists to raise awareness for the needs of those living in the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand by producing and selling coffee. Lanna Coffee uses proceeds from coffee sales and donations to sponsor a wide variety of holistic and su stainable community development projects. Their goal is to assist resource-poor hill tribes by increasing their social and economic opportunities through the funding and facilitation of culturally appropriate activities.

Lanna Coffee works in direct partnership with the Integrated Tribal Development Program also referred to as ITDP. Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, ITDP has been working to bring holistic community development to displaced people groups in the hill tribes of Northern Thailand for over 20 years. These displaced people are allowed to take refuge in the hill country of Thailand but are not provided any resources or granted citizenship. The holistic community development includes: water purification, sanitation, health care, education, sustainable agriculture, and microeconomic development.

More info on : http://www.lannacoffee.org/

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Lofty Bamboo

Lanna coffee

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The Solidarity Factory (Dignity returns) was created as a workers cooperative by ex-employees of Bed and Bath. They were made redundant without being paid any compensation as required by Thai law. This company produced brand named clothing for export. The company produced for Nike, Adidas, Gap, Reebok and UMBRO, brands which are supposed to be covered by a Code of Conduct in employment. Employees were given addictive drugs to keep them awake. Deductions were made f rom earnings without due cause.Often workers were physically abused and they were not allowed to form a union. In the end the factory was closed without paying owed wages or compensation. During the months of protest, the workers supported themselves by selling flowers and making cotton clothes for sale. With 7 sewing machines, they started a small "factory" in front of the Ministry of Labor, where they produced banners, shirts, and bags. The workers carried out all of the steps in the process themselves - from product design, to choosing and purchasing fabric, to sewing and embroidering patterns on the garments, In addition, they silk -screened shirts with images of themselves marching in protest, along with the motto "Dignity is not for sale." The workers made all of these products under the label "Made in Unity" - a brand they created.

The demonstrations ended on January 31, 2003 - a day that will be remembered for the workers' success in persuading the Employees Welfare Fund Committee to change its regulations regarding emergency assistant pay. Previously, workers had been entitled 30 times the minimum wage; after the protest, emergency assistant pay increased to 60 days of minimum wage to workers over six years of work. The workers also won back pay for thos e who had not yet received it. In the end, the former Bed and Bath workers each received approximately 14,800 baht from the Employees Welfare Fund and 2,000 baht from the the Department of Social Development and Welfare. More info on : http://www.dignityreturns.com/

Y-Development Cooperation Co., Ltd. was set up by the YMCA in order to market products internationally through alternative trade organization around the world.

The YMCA for Northern Development Foundation (YNDF), Thailand, was established in 1989. It works for the community development, natural resource preservation and environmental education program. They work to promote civil society and to strengthen the democratic process in Thailand. Strong networks between target groups GOs and NGOs are formed and coordinated by the Foundation, to facilitate the building of good human relationships, community feeling, mutual trust, and cooperation.

Dignity returns

Y Development Cooperation

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They strive to revive and preserve the traditional and ethical values of the people and enhance respect and responsibility for nature and human beings. More info on : http://www.yd-craft.com/

The Family Tree is a Fair trade shop selling Thai arts and crafts produced by local community groups from around Thailand

Vision

The Family Tree is planted for supporting families and to sustain the crafts, cultures, colour and creativity of Thailand.

Mission

The Family Tree proudly offers authentic, Thai arts and crafts, handmade by community groups and independent artists. Treasures include award-winning, natural dyed and hand-woven Thai silks, natural cosmetics, vibrant paintings of Thai life and inspiring recycled sculptures, jewelry, toys and accessories. We are committed to Fair Trade, sourcing our products from over 30 social and environmental initiatives, including crafts cooperatives, womens groups, ethnic minorities and artisans with special needs.

More info on : http://www.familytree-huahin.com/

The Family Tree

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X Directory

Organization Address Phone number

Email Contact name

Green Net (Groceries/support organizations)

6 Soi Piboonupatam-Wattana Nivej 7, Suthusarn Road, Huay-Kwang, Bangkok 10310

+66 2 277 9380

vitoont@greennet.or.th Vitoon Panyakul

ThaiCraft Fair Trade (handicraft)

242 Soi Akharn Songkroh -Akhan Songkroh Sai 15 Road -Thung Wat Don Sathorn - Bangkok

+66 891882020 stephen@thaicraft.org Stephen Salmon (Thai & English)

Sawang Boran (handicraft)

office : Regent Condo, 56/147 soi Puengmii 1 - Sukhumvit Rd, Kwang Bang Chak -Phrakhanong, Bangkok

+66 8 52541588 (English) 08 7953 759 (Thai)

rosanne@sawangboran.com Rosanne Trottier (Thai & English)

Lanna cafe (coffee producer)

250 / 1 Moo 8, Wongwenrop 2 - Tambon San Pee Sua -Chiang Mai

+66 53266349 info@lannacafe.org Aw

Dignity Returns/ Solidarity Group (clothes, support organizations)

38/8788 Soi Ekachai 64/2 Ekachai Rd - Bangbon Bangkhuntian Bangkok

+66 9 7799364 dr_solidarity@yahoo.com dignityreturns@gmail.com

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Lofty Bamboo (handicraft outlet)

Inspirations Public Co - Ltd. G10 1st floor Buddy Hotel - Khaosan Road, Phranakorn - Bangkok

+66 26294716 info@loftybamboo.com Mr. Toshinori

Izara Arts (handicraft)

170-171 Moo 18 - Prasobsuk Road, Tambon Wiang -Amphur Muang Chiang Rai

+66 89 264 0380 vannesolar@gmail.com Patricia SOLAR (English)

Thai Hill Tribe Silver Fair Trade Jewelery (handicraft)

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WEAVE (Women's Education for Advancement and Empowerment) (handicraft, support organization)

P.O. Box 58 Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai 50202 Thailand

+66 053357695 weave@weave-women.org /

Karen Hill Tribe Silver (handicraft)

145/1 Karen Hill Tribe Village T.Omkoi A.Omkoi Chiang mai , 50310 Thailand

+66 80-441-5872 info@hilltribesilveronline.com /

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Y Development (support organization)

11 Soi Mengrairasmi, Sermsuk Road, Changpuak Sub-district, Muang Chiangmai District Chiangmai Province, 50300 Thailand

+66 53 211606 ydep@loxinfo.co.th /

The Family tree (handicraft outlet)

7 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand.

+66 81 809 5083 /

Fair Trade Chiang Mai (handicraft outlet)

KHC Co.,Ltd. T.Khilek, A.Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

+66 84 7409691 Neung.khc@gmail.com herman.leyten@gmail.com

Herman Leyten

Phu Phiang (Thai Craft branch) (eco-toursim)

Phu Phiang Co. Ltd. 242 Soi Akharn Songkroh -Akhan Songkroh Sai 15 Road -Thung Wat Don Sathorn - Bangkok

+66 2676 0636 info@phuphiang.com /

Thai Green Market Network (support organization)

77, 79

10200

+66 2 622 0955 greenmarketthai@gmail.com /

The Mirror Foundation (the Ebannok handicraft project) (support organization)

106 Moo 1 Ban Huay Khom T Mae Yao A Muang Chiang Rai 57100 Thailand

+66 53737412

info@themirrorfoundation.org /

Thai Tribal Craft (handicraft outlet)

208 Bamrungrat Rd., Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand.

+66 53241043 info@ttcrafts.co.th Harry Wathittayakul (Thai & English)

FLO Network of Asian Producers (organ of representation)

napflo@gmail.com http://www.fairtradenap.net/

WFTO Asia (certification organization)

Unit 201 JGS Building #30 Scout Tuazon St., Bgy. Laging Handa Quezon City, 1103 Philippines

+63 2 415 2219 director@wfto-asia.com Ms Mona Ramos

Southeast Asian Council for Food Security and Fair Trade (support organization)

Lot 5-1 Wisma Women's Institute of Management (WIM), 7 Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail Kuala Lumpur 60000 Malaysia

+60 3 7725 9984 seacon@seacouncil.org

20

Notes

1

-FINE stands for the first letters of the following Fair Trade Networks: Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO), World Fair Trade

Organization (WFTO, formerly IFAT), Network of European World Shops (NEWS), and European Fair Trade Association (EFTA)

-http://www.wfto.com

2

http://www.gavroche-thailande.com/actualites/read.php?id=991

3 Interview with Stephen Salmon from ThaiCraft and Rosanne Trottier from Sawang Boran, October and November 2012

4 SUSTAINABLE FOOD CONSUMPTION IN URBAN THAILAND: an emerging market? Report written by Mr. Kanang Kantamaturapoj (2012)

from Social Research Institute, Chiang Mai.

5 Mastercard Survey. Conducted via online interviews between 5 December 2011 and 6 January 2012 and involved

6 http://www.ecineq.org/milano/WP/ECINEQ2009-122.pdf

7socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2012/sep/07/social-enterprise-thailand-strong-government(TheGuardian,7

September 2012

8 source : http://www.greennet.or.th/en

9 source : http://www.thaicraft.org