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I have been living in Thailand for three years now. Thai people favor Japanese people in many ways. They are inviting people and I am enjoying my lifestyle here. Here, people do not stress the tiny things in life; they have a saying, “Mei pen rai,” which means, “Don’t worry.”
Thai paper, which is called saa paper, is unfortunately thought of as “old-fashioned” amongst Thai youth. In major department stores, it is difficult to find saa paper even in a Wrapping Paper section in the corner. Most of the papers sold in the Wrapping Paper section of department stores are cheap Chinese or Taiwanese made printed papers. |
Thai people have an interest in imported items from the West or Japan, and the reality is that many do not understand the true beauty of Thailand. The Weekend Market (the biggest marketplace) is called Chatuchak Market in Thai; here, you can find saa paper, clothing, housing goods, furniture, foods, pottery, plants and more at low prices. Going to Chatuchak Market explains much of the Thais’ disinterest in their cultural heritage of paper. The market is full of American and Japanese copies, and this makes me wonder why they do not create an abundance of genuine Thai goods with their materials instead of copies.
November 24th is Loy Krathong—or Paper Lantern Float Day. Thailand’s paper lantern floats differ from the Japanese kind in the tradition. They send out paper lantern floats in thanks to the god of water. Loy Krathong is a romantic day, and many spend it with their significant others, much like Japanese do during Christmas. In addition to the floating paper lanterns, Loy Krathong is also celebrated by sending a hot air balloon “lantern” into the sky. In the past, the base of the hot air balloon was made from bamboo, but it is currently constructed from nylon. Depending on the candle flame that heats the air inside the balloon, some paper lantern balloons fly higher into the sky than others. The scene they create is like twinkling stars in the night sky. In the end, they all fall down from the sky, leaving their nylon remains behind, which must be cleaned up the following day. I have yet to understand why nylon is necessary if the balloons—regardless if they are paper or nylon—will float back to the ground. It should also be noted that these types of balloons are prohibited in Bangkok, so they are primarily used in Chiang Mai and Sukhotai.
There is so much merchandise that capitalizes on Thailand’s unique natural environment and its calming relaxation services that are unrivaled anywhere in the world. I truly believe that saa paper has a market in which to expand. When Thai people recognize the beauty of Thailand, I believe that the world will begin to see unique Thai merchandise that only the Thai can create. Hang in there, the world of saa paper!
AYA FUJIMORI
Fuji Paper Mill
Hiromi Paper Memo:
We at Hiromi Paper International wholeheartedly understand Ms. Fujimori’s sentiments about the beauty and uniqueness of traditional handmade papers. It is our hope that Japanese youth as well can appreciate the deep and interesting history of Japanese washi, too!
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