Khlong lan: Transforming worthless scraps of wood into handmade sailing ships generates a lucrative income. Turning a crisis into an opportunity, a 40-year-old man came up with a brilliant idea to transform worthless scraps of wood into handmade model sailing ships, generating a handsome income.
According to Thai News Agency, the mastermind behind this idea is Mr. Chokchai Mangkon, or "Chok," a 40-year-old resident of Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. He transformed a part of his house into a small workshop, filled with woodworking tools and scrap wood. He explains that he originally worked in farming and made bags. Personally, he enjoys woodworking and possesses some carpentry skills. He came up with the idea of recycling scrap wood to add value, and coincidentally, his interest in model ships led him to study ship structures and begin seriously working on his craft.
The process requires a great deal of patience, meticulousness, and concentration. It begins by cutting scraps of wood through a circular saw to the desired size. Then, the wooden pieces are meticulously assembled to create the ship's structure, piece by piece. The mast, sails, and ropes are then attached according to the system of an ancient sailing ship, accurately replicating the proportions of a complete and beautiful vessel. The key feature that makes these model sailing ships popular is that each is handmade, unique, and beautifully showcases the natural wood grain. Once assembled and meticulously finished, the resulting piece is exquisite, beautiful, and powerful, perfect for displaying on a desk, in a home or shop, or as a gift for new business openings and auspicious occasions. It's another example of someone who, through resilience, has utilized local resources and recycled materials to create a beautiful and valuable work of art, potentially selling for hundreds or thousands of baht.
In addition to his renowned model sailing ships, Mr. Chokchai has also repurposed leftover wood to create versatile picnic table and chair sets. These can be neatly folded and stored together in a single box, making them convenient to carry in the trunk of a car for travel. They are ideal for those who enjoy camping and picnics.