The intricate detail of some weaving techniques often have tourists in awe. Especially noteworthy are elegant and beautifully designed handbags woven from palm leave and then lacquered - so detailed that it looks like it has been painted. Some of the handbags take a whole month to complete (just one), and could set you back as much as 25,000 baht (about US$ 650)! A huge variety of other very affordable woven products like placemats, baskets and hammocks - and made from various natural materials - can also be found everywhere

http://bangkokshopping.biz/shopping-in-ban gkok.html

Basket Weaving
Basket making has played an integral role in Thai ,ife for a very long time. Today, it is still one of the most flourishing folk arts in the country. Thai basetry is booming mainly because items are being `ashioned for more decorative purposes than in the past. Thai baskets are made from coconut palms, 'eds, rattan, bamboo and many other types of vegtation. Even the water hyacinth that clogs the rivrs and klongs is now being gathered and used to make trays, lampshades and furniture. Items such as food baskets, fans, hats, trays and even fish traps make inexpensive souvenirs or gifts. Also available are Intricately crafted 'yan lipo' gaskets and handbags made from rainforest vines 'ound in southern Thailand. Available at Chitrlada shops, Narai Phand and Chatuchak market

http://flickr.com/photos/terrymct/163919829/

A weaving demonstration that was a part of a trade fair in Bangkok. Dad took this photo when lived in Siam (now Thailand) for several months in 1956, while doing mapping and survey work. Please let me know if I have this photo backwards. I don't read Thai and I can't find any numbers or western advertising in this one to check the orientation. Thanks