Some of the many beautiful
creations for sale at Wong Amat Beach.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Naklua fishing families have found another way to supplement their income,
collecting seashells to sell to tourists as jewelry or decorations.
The wives of fishermen around Soi 18 have been buying and collecting shells for
years on Pattaya, Wong Amat and Jomtien Beach. Recently, many pulled out their
finest examples and crafted them into necklaces, bracelets and home furnishings
which are sold in the fishing community and on Wong Amat Beach. Some are matched
up with silver for earrings and pendants and sell anywhere between 10 and 1,000
baht.
Pen Chanchai, 57, said decorations made from single shells have been difficult
to sell, although seashell mobiles and general souvenirs are selling well.
Pen said she chooses only the finest shells, passing over those with cracks or
defects. For necklaces and bracelets, she punches tiny holes in the shell then
uses fine threads to string them together.
No matter the product, shells are sprayed with a protective lacquer and dried in
the sun before she details them with ink or paint.
Seeing the success the Naklua community has had, various other tourism
destinations are also taking up the seashell business and many shops can be
found in Bang Saray, Koh Loi, Koh Larn and within Pattaya. Department stores and
other shopping centers are also carrying seashell products.
For the local fishing community, under pressure from commercial operators, it’s
one more way to leverage ancient traditions to make a living.
