Thai Song

It started with a bag. Just one. And in less than one year, this bag has multiplied into the dozens of bags that are sold all over North America. This bag is much more than a fashion statement. For a handful of women living in the slums of Bangkok, this bag represents hope, and freedom.

A Thai Song Bag

Through a missions meeting we attended early on in our time at Thailand, I met Tukta, one of the founders of an organization called Thai Song Fair Trade Organization. When her and friends got together to start the business, they began with no previous business experience, no formalized plan, and no money, just a single bag made of recycled plastic bags and a calling.

Each of the ladies that works for them has a unique story . One of heartbreak, and poverty, but ultimately, hope. Through the sale of these bags through Thai Song fairtrade, these women are given a steady salary of which they can depend upon. Each bag they make is another opportunity for them to better both their own lives and that of their families.

P. Lec making bags

On one of our last days in Thailand, we got together with Tukta, to help her make a video on a few of the ladies Thai Song employs. The purpose of the videos were simple: to show the kind of lives the ladies live everyday. We saw inside their homes, which sit on smelly, swampy water, and on hot days you can literally smell the urine from below. And we saw their families, which many of the ladies are solely responsible to support. Its amazing how just a little thing like taking a look inside someone's home can alone shock you into the realization of what a blessed life we live in North America. I'll let the videos speak for themselves, but I hope that as you travel with Tukta through the dark rooms, past the litter, and among the dust, you will see poverty for what it is: preventable. (and that you will feel compelled to buy a bag.. or two). ;)

Denise filming Tukta for the Thai Song video

Checking out the Swampy Water in P. Mai's house

Smelled like PEE

P.Mai's Grandson saying "Hold me!"

He loved the camera

P.S. this isn't the end of Thailand... stay tuned for more

Check out both videos on P.Lec and P.Mai at www.youtube.com/l3ak3d

Check out Thai Song at http://thaisongfairtrade.org/