Meeting the 3 Keepers of the Craft

In every bead, thread, and carved line lies the spirit of Thai craftsmanship — a living bridge between the past and the present. These artisans are not just designers; they are storytellers who breathe new life into ancient traditions. Their work reminds us that heritage, when reimagined with creativity and respect, continues to evolve beautifully into the modern world.

NERA

A visionary designer based in Southern Thailand’s Songkhla Province, Natipong Laisam breathes new life into a centuries-old form of cultural heritage through his brand, NERA. Drawing on ancestral techniques passed down through generations, he reimagines the costumes of Nora – a form of folk theatre from Southern Thailand – as refined, modern creations. From beaded lamps and intricately adorned handbags to bold accessories, each piece pays homage to the ornate grandeur of original Nora costumes.

Central to each NERA design is the meticulous use of small glass beads, interlaced with a signature string-crossing method that makes them both durable and intricate. Thanks to the live demonstrations held at the Ban Khao Manora Bead Community Enterprise, visitors can witness the skill and ingenuity central to Natipong’s craft for themselves.

Ban Khao Manora Bead Community Enterprise, Songkhla Province
Facebook: Nera Natipong
Instagram: @nera_natipong

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INTHAI

For designer Areeya Bunchuaylaew, tradition is not confined to conventional motifs. With INTHAI, she channels a refined, modern interpretation of Thai identity – one that emerges not from ornate patterns alone, but from the charm of everyday life. Her work bridges the familiar and the symbolic, fusing the textures of daily Thai life with contemporary artistry.

Her fabric prints draw from delicate porcelain patterns once seen on household dishware, while broken ceramic fragments are elegantly reimagined as fine jewelry – necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that carry both a narrative depth and cultural resonance. Among her most striking designs is a chessboardinspired motif rooted in the mythical rivalry between the guardian giants of Bangkok’s Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, and Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

SACIT Shop, Concourse D Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Samut Prakan Province
Facebook: INTHAI
Instagram: @inthaistudio

GRAJANG

Named after a foundational pattern in traditional Thai art, Grajang is a contemporary jewelry brand helmed by designer Sontaya Pansupa. With a discerning eye for detail and a profound respect for heritage, Sontaya transforms classic Thai motifs into sophisticated modern adornments.

His latest collection is a tribute to the Laitok pattern, which is derived from the delicate, engraved leatherwork of the Nang Yai shadow play tradition at Wat Khanon, a temple in Ratchaburi Province. By adapting these intricate carvings into rings and bracelets, he creates pieces that dance with light, casting shadows as poetic as the performances that inspired them.

Facebook: Grajang
Instagram: @grajangjewelry

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