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 Chusrisuk, 47, from Surin, works as a freelance clothes dyer in eastern Pattaya.
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.
