World Fair Trade launches for the very first time in Thailand

Bangkok, 8 May 2010 – World Fair Trade Organization (WTFO) in cooperation with Thai craft groups organize the World Fair Trade Day at Jasmine Tower, Sukhumvit 23 aiming to help producers from poorer communities obtains better trading conditions and promotes sustainability.

The main purpose of the event is to introduce and educate people more about Fair Trade, also helping local people in poorer areas to create more income. In Thailand, the main Fair Trade products produced are handicrafts and food.

The first Fair Trade Day Event in Thailand is organized by the main Fair Trade organizations nationwide: ThaiCraft Fair Trade, Green net, Izara Arts, Lanna Café, Sawang Borang, Lofty Bamboo, and Dignity Returns.

Ms Patricia Solar, Director of the Izara Arts said that their philosophy was to create high valued handworked items which people buy primarily because they valued the products. The Fair Trade component may make consumers feel better about their purchase, but their aim is to sell the product in the mainstream market. She added that shoppers that were likely to buy Fair Trade products were affluent, educated and professional women.

At the World Fair Trade Day which was held at Jasmine Tower, an exhibitor said that there were lots of foreigners interested in the products. Even though they do not bring many products to the event but it seems that this event is helping to boost the sales and create more income for the labors. He also adds that the event is doing a good job in introducing Fair Trade products to the public.