Dr. Thanee Sukontachart, lecturer of Faculty of Architecture and Design at RMUTP, conducted a study on Thailand’s demographic structure and found that Chai Nat province has a significant elderly population since 1994, with an increasing trend of 20.1% annually, higher than the national average of 17.125% elderly population in mid-2017. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Chai Nat ranks 6thin the country for its elderly index, particularly in Manorom, Wat Sing, Sapphaya, and Sankhaburi districts. Based on this data, the concept emerged to utilize cultural funds to support creating added value through products promoting tourism, using agricultural waste materials. This initiative aims to generate income for the elderly by leveraging local wisdom to establish a robust elderly community model.
Dr. Thani Sukonthachart stated that in Huaikrod community, Sankhaburi sub-district, Chai Nat province, various agricultural waste materials such as palm leaves, palm stems, palm husks, palm shells, and palm seeds were identified. The community has transformed these waste materials into products such as palm stem massage tools, brooms, baskets, and woven fish traps. Therefore, the plan is to further develop products derived from giant elephant ear palm to be prominent community products, promoting provincial tourism and enhancing income opportunities for the elderly. The research is divided into three sub-projects:
1. Designing and developing tourism souvenir products from waste materials in processing palm sugar products, producing 10 products.
2. Designing self-sustainable packaging for agricultural products processed from palm sugar create added value for 10 products.
3. Developing a prototype machine, “Palm Leaf Stripping Machine for Weaving,” and suitable technology equipment for the community to facilitate and reduce the working time of the elderly.
From the success of the project, it can respond to the BCG Model concept towards a creative economy, showcasing the works and innovations of the elderly group under the “Chao Tan Product Trademark,” which is protected intellectual property, participating in exhibitions such as the Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), supported by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited through the EISA (Education Institute Support Activity) project.
