by Lesley Warner
For several weeks I have been driving past a shop with
various leather goods hanging outside. Having a penchant for leather, this
week I decided to investigate. I was alone without a Thai-speaking
companion, so when I first approached the man sitting on the floor outside
the shop, working on his leather I realized this could be difficult with my
limited Thai. I showed him the paper and my ID for the newspaper; he smiled
at my camera and me and I could see “another crazy farang” written all
over his face. He took me to the restaurant 2 doors down to find someone to
speak English. Then he walked away. I proceeded to run after him trying to
get him to come back with me, explaining with waving arms (like you do) that
it was him I wanted to talk to. This was all to no avail and he went back to
his work. As I hovered uncertainly outside the restaurant I heard a squeal
and there was my saviour, Cesane, an English speaking Thai friend.
Thepphithak
- “lost in his work”
Cesane and her Thai friends all came back to the shop
with me to explain to Khun Thepphithak what I was trying to do. When he
understood he was very happy to assist me. Thepphithak was even kind enough
to get his passport so that I could read his name in English.
He told us that the shop can make anything in leather
from belts, shoes, cowboy boots, handbags, briefcases, hats, coats, jackets,
shirts, trousers, purses, you name it they can do it. For shoes you go along
and stand on a piece of paper so they can draw around your foot shape, like
we used to as kids. From this measurement they can make your footwear. The
design is up to you, whether from your own drawing or a photo or maybe you
have a favourite old pair of shoes that you don’t want to part with, never
fear now they can be ‘cloned’.
For more information call into the shop on Thappraya Road
just before Jomtien Beach Road or telephone Linda (038) 303365.
