Bible education: Aroma Lanna Ministries

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ” (2 Cor 2:15) The original idea behind Thai Village grew out of a desire to support young national Christians to study the Bible. Through Aroma Lanna Ministries, Thai Village continues to provide access to theological instruction and Bible training. Aroma Lanna Ministry projects include the training of leaders in the church, the funding of Bible students, and the support of individuals in their faith.

Vocational Training Fund

Thai Village provides dignified work to at-risk and low-income individuals. We consider our artisans’ interests, needs, and skills, and match these with the work available. Training to make high-quality products is an essential part of our craft program. Through this program, each artisan is able to earn income and expand their ability to support their family.

Valentine’s Day outreach party

Both our craft program and donations help fund our primary mission to see people gain vocational skills and experience economic stability. Most importantly, this allows access to the Gospel and a community of believers. We love to see this process play out in meaningful conversations, meals, games, and studying the Bible together.

This hand-stitched embroidery technique is passed down by Hmong families. It is sourced from villages to be used in many different Thai Village products.

Thai Village began with a love for indigenous art forms, and we continue to create items that reflect the diverse cultures of Thailand. Many of our products begin with design techniques that have been part of local cultures for many generations. Hmong stitching, Karen and Shan weaving, local hand-made mulberry paper, teak wood, ethnic fabrics, and metalworking techniques inspire a large majority of Thai Village’s designs. By sourcing base materials from surrounding villages, we can give work to local people and support local art forms.

Products are shipped to wholesale customers and displays across the US, UK, and Australia, and we also have products available in Thailand in our showroom or by order.

Our Thailand showroom is open

9AM-5PM, Monday through Friday

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Hand-stitched ornament designed by Nuut

Our designs range from home items to jewelry to bags and ornaments, all of which go through many phases of development before arriving at a final product. Designs often originate from the abilities of specific artisans, prioritizing the skills already in our community. Some products are developed solely through the innovative ideas of our managers, while other products undergo several stages of design and review by a team of managers and volunteers.

We could not do it without our excellent packing team!

After a product has been completed, there is still much work to be done. The items must be checked for quality, correctly tagged, and put into bags or boxes. Like the rest of our process, it is important for us to pack our products in a way that involves local people and methods. Many of our boxes and jewelry forms are handmade out of mulberry paper and many of our packaging bags are also handmade by our sewing managers. Products are often assembled and packed during our community workday where artisans are invited to spend the afternoon together. The packaging team works diligently to get the product ready for the market.

tin smithing training

Thai Village offers ongoing training in new skills and product designs. Many of our artisans have young children at home or need flexibility in their work environments. Artisans train on-site with Thai Village managers and receive materials to work from home. They return finished products for quality control and payment upon completion. Catching up with artisans and their children is a highlight for on-site staff members when products are returned.

“Hand-stitched ornament designed by Nuut”

Our designs range from home items to jewelry to bags and ornaments, all of which go through many phases of development before arriving at a final product. Designs often originate from the abilities of specific artisans, prioritizing the skills already in our community. Some products are developed solely through the innovative ideas of our managers, while other products undergo several stages of design and review by a team of managers and volunteers.

church support

Thai Village financially supports local Thai churches by contributing to overhead expenses, with stipends for evangelists and church leaders, and by partnering with these churches in programs and outreach events, such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day parties, children’s carnivals, and VBS programs.

financial savings program

Artisans attend a financial stewardship and planning seminar annually, learn saving and budgeting techniques, and open a joint savings account with a Thai Village administrator. They are free to save as much money each month as they would like. Thai Village matches up to a certain amount each month. Through this program, many artisans have been able to create financial goals and save successfully to meet their goals with increasing financial independence.

community seminars

Community members are given opportunities to attend diverse trainings equipping them with holistic skills for both work and life. Topics include leadership, mental health, agriculture, business, peer counseling, and more.

community outreach

During the year, Thai Village (often with the partnership of Promise Lutheran Church) offers our artisans a chance to attend fun-filled community events. These parties are often accompanied by performances, faith sharing, and games. Additionally, Thai Village staff and managers make a priority to visit each artisan’s home during the year, encouraging them, and praying for their needs.

relief

Thailand, a nation that relies heavily on tourism, has been hit hard by the economic effects of COVID-19. We are committed to helping our neighbors who have been the most impacted by this pandemic. We are doing this by supplying food and care packages and by letting them know they are not alone.

click here to learn about our artisans

find new products

see what we are doing to combat COVID-19

2009

As a result of the 2008 economic crash, WELS Bible Institute was closed and Thai Village grew into a full-time project for former students and community members

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Products are shipped to wholesale customers and displays across the US, UK, and Australia, and we also have products available in Thailand in our showroom or by order.

Our Thailand showroom is open

“Hand-stitched ornament designed by Nuut”