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Saros Kaewkhamfoo

"I'm Saros Kaewkhamfoo, my nickname is 'Toy,' though my parents used to call me 'Lah' because I'm the only daughter. My father passed away in 1999, and then my mother in 2001, so I'm alone now.

"My mother used to sell a northern Thai traditional dish called Khao Kan Jin, which is made of rice and pork, and my father ran a used car sales business.

"After finishing in high school in my village school, I graduated with a higher vocational degree from Chiang Rai Technical College.

"I worked with my parents and other relatives so that I would be able to work in different fields. However, it saddens me that my parents did not live to see what I have achieved so far. I feel very proud to be my parents' daughter.

"When I was young I was an adventurous girl. I liked fishing and target practice. When I was a student I learned about inventiveness, because it's something I like very much. Then I worked at a water supply for five years. After that, I realized that I preferred handmade products and textiles, so I decided to learn to weave.

"However, I realized that what I truly wanted to do was to learn to weave, especially with natural materials. I took to the task of learning about weaving and training with master weavers. When I felt ready, I decided to start my own workshop in 2003, and specialize on traditional Thai weaves. Every year since then I have won awards for my silk weaves, cotton weaves, and clothing line. What's more, my workshop has grown, which means I have been able to offer jobs to people in my village. My products are recognized as one tumbon one product (OTOP). Being part of a government initiative to promote local artistic traditions, OTOP is awarded as a status gage that distinguishes artisans for their designs and the quality of their work.

"I continue to work hard, and have received many awards for my products. I think that my line of work is part of Thai traditions and culture, especially in my village. We live near the king's mother, so we regard her as our inspiration.

"I dedicate my life to being careful, safe and honest. My father, my mother, and everyone in my village are an inspiration for me to be successful, and to continue developing my designs in order to make people know more about our Thai textile arts.

"I would like to thank everyone for supporting me and my team."