Silversmiths in Surin, northeastern Thailand use simple tools to create distinctive beads from pure silver. The decorative patterns are hand-etched onto the surface of each bead. This painstaking intricate process, from the centuries-old Khmer Angkor kingdom , survives in only one small community.
The Surin are able to bring their goods to market thanks to a Fair Trade organization that works with more than 60 artisan groups of diverse backgrounds and cultures from all regions of Thailand. They are thus able to generate a fair income for village artisans while keeping ancient craft traditions alive. Some groups focus on, or include, people with special needs while others face social, political or environmental difficulties. The rest include village cooperatives, slum projects, and small community workshops. All partners know about and are expected to follow Fair Trade practices and keep to internationally recognized standards of working behavior and responsibility.