Thailand is still a good place to source all
types of teak wood products and teak furniture. Teak is an indigenous wood widely
found in the tropical and sub tropical regions of climate of South
east Asia especially in Thailand, Malaysia, Burma (Myanmar) and
Indonesia. Teak is one of the main reasons that the British spent so
long in this area colonizing Burma and Malaysia. They did not actually
colonize Thailand but effectively controlled much of the Siamese economy
with it's control of the teak logging market.
Teak logging in Thailand has all but stopped
now and the magnificent teak, mahogany and other hardwood trees stand
proud and rotting away in the uncut Thailand tropical forests whilst the
children of once proud forest people scrounge and scrape for food and
survival just because of the western perception that cutting down a tree
is akin to killing a whale or elephant. When I ask Thai kids, or adults,
why we don't cut down trees any more they come out with the stock
response. If we cut down the tree we can not breathe - no oxygen.
England was once covered in dense forests. I don't have any trouble
breathing on my trips back home to good old England. |
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I have traveled extensively to some of the more remote
parts of the world. I can tell you with absolute certainty that the vast
expanses of Greenland and much of Saharan Africa is completely devoid of
trees and any other type of vegetation. I survived without the aid of
scuba tanks.
So without natural teak forests Thai teak
woos furniture makers must turn to other resources. Plantations of fine
trees are coming on line. Sustainable forestry I think they call it. I
wish more people would take more time and money on 'sustainable
childhood'
The shortage of natural teak and control
of teakwood logging has pushed up the price of the wood and products
made from teak. Plenty of profit margin for the teak furniture
manufacturers and the exporters of teak tables, chairs, desks,
sideboards and hardwearing durable weather resistant outdoor furniture
to park by the barbecue. A shame none of this profit passes down to the
last of the peoples of the forest whose forefathers domains are now off
limits for all but savaging.
A great social revolution is underway in
Thailand. It's instigation and drive is coming straight from the top and
aimed to go straight to the poor in the rural areas of Thailand. OTOP -
One Tambon One Product is in my opinion a fantastic idea. Single
villages and communities around Thailand are encourage to choose one
product line that usually they have years of experience at and make a
concerted and communal effort to make and market their products in
Thailand and even worldwide.
I am a great admirer and supporter of
OTOP. Yes I have many contacts with large and medium sized teak wood
furniture factories who produce all the stock items of furniture that
you find in any High street store. However it is in the small villages
up country that the hand crafted teak products are to be found.
Innovative as well as traditional designs are to be had at a fraction of
the price - and the profits go straight to the people who need it most.
If you are looking for furniture products
of any type we have a full section covering all furniture products and a
list of Thailand companies that produce furniture here:
Thailand Furniture Companies, Thai Furniture
Manufacturers
Bangkok Companies is a full service
product sourcing company in Thailand. For All your
teakwood furniture needs please email
bangkokcompanies@gmail.com with your requests..
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