Supachai Klaewtanong

ARTIST

Industry : The Arts

Supachai Klaewtanong, an industrial design graduate from southern Thailand, returned to his hometown of Nakhon Si Thammarat to follow his passion for freelance design. His work stands out for its creative reinterpretation of local culture, most notably, his transformation of traditional birdcage designs into modern, functional lighting pieces.

Rather than simply preserving traditional craftsmanship, Supachai reimagines it. Through participating in workshops across the country and connecting with local artisans, he has developed an understanding of regional design practices. These encounters sparked his interest in the artistry of birdcage making, a craft rooted in southern Thai culture. His goal is to honour this heritage and to evolve it, merging old techniques with contemporary forms in a way that brings new life and relevance to a fading tradition.

Supachai observed that many factory-made products lack individuality, often feeling uniform and disconnected from their origins. In contrast, he highlights the value of local materials and traditional techniques, elements he believes bring authenticity and character to design. Beyond his own practice, Supachai is committed to nurturing young talent in the region. He encourages students to draw from local wisdom and cultural heritage, showing them how to create design work that is both meaningful and marketable. His goal is to inspire a new generation of designers who can honour their roots while engaging audiences both in Thailand and abroad.