Boonthieng Chusrisuk, 47, from Surin, works
as a freelance clothes dyer in eastern Pattaya.
Vittaya Yoondorn
A Surin man literally pedaling his services in
Pattaya is hoping to turn back the clock to an age where Thais dyed
their clothes naturally.
Boonthieng Chusrisuk, 47, can often be found biking
through Soi Khao Noi, Khao Talo and other East Pattaya neighborhoods
with a saddle bag carrying a smoking, popping pot and a log of wood.
With them, he sets up shop, using natural inks to dye shirt, pants and
other garments.
Boonthieng argues that chemical dyes can be harmful
and make clothing uncomfortable. Natural pigments, used for centuries by
Thais, don’t contribute to allergies and hearken back to Thai
traditions.
The Surin native charges 180 baht to dye a pair of
pants and 120 baht for shirts. Prices for other items vary. The most
popular color is actually a brown made from mangrove bark, which hides
dirt and is good for work clothes, he said.
His mobile clothes-dying business nets Boonthieng
about 10,000 baht per month, he said. The work is not difficult and he
likes using a bicycle rather than a motorbike.
