products include: rainbow ceramics, chopstick sets, wooden stools, some Buddhas, scented candles and fancy incense, hand tea light holders, etc.

we have been increasing our trade with Thailand over the last 6 years or so and currently about 20% of our range is made there. we have visited nearly all the places the goods are made and are more than happy with the working conditions there. all the producers we deal with in Thailand are relatively small (e.g. the company that makes our hand night-light holders, employs 17 people).

we like dealing with Thai companies as production tends to be small-scale and localised, and the products themselves tend to be aesthetic and are more likely to be made of natural materials than plastic. we do buy from trade shows in Thailand (i.e. without visiting the supplier before we place our first order) but, once a supplier becomes regular, would aim to visit them.

the local communities are not on the poverty line, but we are interested in projects or employment opportunities to help local people avoid the destructive trades in sex and drugs.  one organisation supplies us with notebooks and cards, and supports work-creation projects for girls in northern Thailand to avoid prostitution.  we are hoping to support their work.  as for the wood-carvings, they use wood from sustainable forests.