An impressive initiative by the Tha Khlong occupational promotion club in Pathum Thani produces metal-free sandalwood flowers and wreaths, boosting household income, advancing community development, and enabling residents to become self-reliant.
On 29 Jun 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed at the Learning Center and Public Park of Tha Khlong Municipality, Khlong Nueng Subdistrict, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, that Mr. Suthep Wongjaeng, Mayor of Tha Khlong Municipality, along with Ms. Nongnuch Krueaem, Director of the Social Welfare Division, Mrs. Boonyaporn Innak, Chairwoman of the Tha Khlong Elderly Club, and Mr. Nikom Innak, the instructor, jointly monitored a vocational training activity on crafting sandalwood flowers and wreaths. This event was organized to promote job creation and increase income for elderly club members within Tha Khlong Municipality.
Mr. Suthep Wongjaeng, Mayor of Tha Khlong Municipality, revealed that currently about 30 elderly members participate in the occupational promotion club's activities, taking turns producing sandalwood flowers and wreaths according to their availability and capacity. These products are sold locally in Pathum Thani as well as shipped to other provinces based on orders received. The initiative aims to supplement members' income and further develop the community. Sandalwood flowers sell at an affordable price of only 1 baht each, which is cheaper than general market prices. Large sandalwood flower wreaths come in various colors and are sold at a fixed price of 500 baht per wreath, including free delivery within and near the area. The club also continuously modernizes product designs to meet consumer demand with more attractive styles.
Additionally, the club has developed high-quality sandalwood flower wreaths that can be used to express condolences at funerals. After the funeral rite and the cremation day, hosts can remove the sandalwood flowers from the wreaths to use in the flower-laying ceremonies. This practice maximizes resource utilization and reduces waste compared to traditional wreaths. Each wreath includes about 130–140 sandalwood flowers attached with incense sticks and candles around it. Importantly, the club avoids using metal or thin wire to bind the straw and flowers, preventing inconvenience for crematorium workers or temples during cremation. This also eliminates the need to collect metal or wire when gathering the ashes for the bereaved family to enshrine or scatter them.
Mrs. Boonyaporn Innak, Chairwoman of the Elderly Club, stated that this group is not only for elderly participants but also opens opportunities for community members, unemployed individuals, some patients, and people with disabilities who cannot work outside the home. They can take materials home to produce items and then return the finished products to the club, thereby generating income for themselves and their families.
Currently, there is ongoing interest in taking work home, enabling participants to earn an average weekly income of approximately 800–1,500 baht, depending on skill and production volume. This project effectively promotes job creation, increases income, and improves the quality of life for elderly people and the community, aligning with sustainable community development goals focused on self-reliance and strengthening resilience.
