The Story of “PSARN”
"PSARN" A community initiative by Principal Healthcare Hospitals
“This is not just any cloth — because this cloth allows us to be PSARN — to be connected.”
01 PSARN Plaid Fabric Garlands — Weaving Smiles from Huai Rob Temple Community
“Customers receive quality products. Villagers earn a livelihood. The community thrives sustainably.”
When people think of the pa khao ma (traditional Thai plaid fabric), some may see it as outdated or old-fashioned. But in truth, pa khao ma is a versatile material — not just for clothing, but as heartfelt gifts crafted by the hands of villagers. Supporting these woven goods not only helps preserve an age-old craft, but also brings happiness and dignity to the makers.
“Weaving has helped improve their mental well-being. Instead of staying home alone, they come here to talk, move their bodies, weave. It reduces stress. Many elderly here live alone. Weaving generates income — some earn thousands, even close to ten thousand baht in a good month. Others may earn less. It balances out.” — Community leader, Ban Huai Rob Group
“Weaving does more than generate income — it builds skills and confidence for the villagers.”
In the past, villagers would weave traditional, repetitive patterns for a limited market. Some months, they couldn't sell at all. The arrival of Teacher Wanna changed everything.
She introduced geometric design principles and software to help villagers innovate new patterns, sparking their imagination and significantly reducing the time it takes to draft new designs. Her approach enhanced weaving skills and diversified the customer base.
“Back then, villagers earned only 100 baht per day. But by adding value to the fabric, they can now earn at least 300 baht per day.” — Teacher Wanna, math instructor at Uthai Thani Witthayakom School and weaving pattern consultant
“If we don’t enhance the value of these fabrics, local income will stagnate. The younger generation won’t be interested in continuing this craft, and the knowledge will disappear.”
Teacher Wanna and the group’s leaders are pushing for modernization not just to raise incomes, but to ensure that the distinctive handweaving traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.
Today, the Ban Huai Rob weaving group consists of only 6–7 elderly members aged 54 to 84. They work like family — supporting one another through the process.
Crafted through long-standing knowledge passed down over generations, these fabrics have earned awards and become a provincial highlight of Uthai Thani. Yet, the group keeps prices accessible because they believe in offering high-quality goods at fair prices. True to their mission:
“Customers receive quality products. Villagers earn a livelihood. The community thrives sustainably.”
All income from sales goes directly to the villagers. The center retains only 50–100 baht per piece to cover utility costs like water and electricity. Even if earnings are modest, they enable sustainable livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage.
PSARN Plaid Fabric Garlands— Distilled from the Heart of Ban Huai Rob
This value-added product is the result of creative collaboration within the Huai Rob Temple Community. Local artisans combine beautifully woven plaid fabric with the intricate handiwork of housewives in the community, resulting in the unique “PSARN Plaid Garlands.” These are visually striking reinterpretations of the traditional phuang malai (Thai garland), which symbolizes love and respect in Thai culture. A heartfelt innovation, this product elevates the traditional cloth into a meaningful, tangible expression of giving — one that leaves a lasting impression on both the giver and the recipient.
Dee Mee Suk Co., Ltd. (Not-for-Profit), a social enterprise recognized under the SET Social Impact platform of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, has joined hands with Principal Healthcare and Principal Capital Public Company Limited to bring back smiles, careers, and income to communities. Together, they aim to preserve local wisdom, pass on community values, and cultivate a culture of sharing and mutual support for long-term sustainability.
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