Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Through Creative Industries

This is a mixed-methods study that investigates the cultural sustainability and creative-economy potential of krajood (Lepironia articulata) basketry in Thale Noi, a Southern Thai wetland community. Drawing on literature review, semi-structured interviews with twenty local stakeholders, Delphi rounds, field observations, and questionnaires, the research examines the botanical characteristics and ecological context of krajood, the traditional weaving techniques, and the socio-economic dynamics shaping artisanal practice. Findings reveal that krajood weaving remains a vital repository of intergenerational knowledge, linking elders and youth through apprenticeship. However, the culture faces declining successor numbers and market-access limitations. Collaborative networks among artisans, community organizations, and provincial agencies have bolstered design innovation, branding, and management strategies, positioning krajood products within a niche creative economy. However, pressures from industrial standardization and competition from mass-produced imitations threaten both craft authenticity and artisan livelihoods. The study argues that balancing cultural preservation with adaptive innovation through participatory design, cooperative marketing, and sustainable harvesting can sustain krajood basketry as a living heritage and a driver of inclusive local development. These insights contribute to global debates on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage while leveraging creative industries for community empowerment and resilience.