The study of yellow robe manufacturing knowledge for fair-trade community business in Bangkok and the perimeter

This investigation was aimed 1) to study the background and the wisdom of three garments worn by Buddhist monks in Bangkok and the perimeter; 2) to study the present situation and problems with the production of three garments worn by Buddhist monks in Bangkok and the perimeter; 3) to investigate local business guidelines for the production of three garments worn by Buddhist monks. Data were collected by documentary research and field study. Collected data were validated using triangulation techniques and analyzed by descriptive analysis. The results show that the three garments worn by Buddhist monks were only produced in the past out of necessity. These days, the yellow robe has been developed to include patterns and fabrics that enhance daintiness and functionality. The researchers found that local businesses creating yellow robes suffer from a lack of knowledge inheritance, business capital and proper marketing support. Solving these problems requires cooperation between business owners and religious school, providing opportunity for knowledge exchange and marketing networks. The development of yellow robe production as a fair trade community business requires improved design knowledge and familiarity with religious rules concerning clothes. Moreover, the manufacturers need to improve product packaging to be more suitable and modern. In conclusion, the existence of traditional knowledge concerning clerical robe production depends on the cooperation of community members and the development of production capacity, for example packaging design, product quality and uniqueness.

Keywords – Buddhism, clothing, community business, fabric, traditional knowledge.