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Bangkok Travelbug April 15 Court Dolls Centre Ban Bang Sadet March 30, 2015 |
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Ban Bang Sadet, Pa Mok district, Ang Thong province This sub-district in Pa Mok district was originally called Ban Wat Tan. In late 1975 during the peak of the rainy season, the Chao Phraya burst its banks and flooded the area very badly. On 4 January 1976, Their Majesties the King and Queen visited the area to distribute aid and to boost the morale of the flood victims. What’s more, a royal project was initiated by HM the Queen for the benefit of this community. In gratitude the community renamed the sub-district Ban Bang Sadet, (sadet – royal visit) . Table of contents Court Dolls Centre Ban Bang Sadet is primarily a rice growing area but the hardworking residents made joss sticks and bricks in their spare time to augment their income. These activities were however insufficient to tide them over these hard times. HM the Queen started a royal project for the residents to make miniature court dolls. Such a project not only preserves the traditional arts but also becomes a cottage industry to help residents improve their incomes. Two art teachers were despatched to the community to teach residents the art of making clay dolls dressed in the attire of the royal court. The training centre was established in the multi-purpose hall behind Wat Ta Sutthawat. The first group of 150 residents went through the training course of three months. The traditional Thai building where this training was held became the Court Dolls Centre in Ban Bang Sadet. 
The Court Dolls Centre is in the building on the right The Court Dolls Centre in Ban Bang Sadet operates as a cooperative. Members go to the centre to make their dolls and socialize with their neighbours as well. The completed products are priced and put on display. 
Display of miniature dolls When the products are sold, a small percentage is deducted for the administrative costs of the centre and the rest of the proceeds are paid to the residents responsible for the products. These works of art are relatively inexpensive and considering the effort and skill that went into making them, definitely worth it. I bought these wooden sticks that serve as bookmarks for 20 baht each. Just look at the intricate work that went into making the dolls attached to the sticks. 
Wooden bookmarks For an idea of how small these dolls are, here’s a picture to show the relative size of a typical doll compared to a paper clip. 
Slightly over an inch or 2.5 cm Let’s find out how these dolls are made. Table of contents Steps in doll making There are four main stages in making these miniature dolls.
Table of contents Displays in the Court Dolls Centre Here are some of the beautiful dolls made by the residents of Ban Bang Sadet. They have also diversified from court dolls to dolls of people in everyday life. 
River boats and barges 
Boat vendors 
Miniature flowers 
Boat vendors selling fruits 
Traditional Thai house 
Market scene 
Traditional Thai musical instruments 
Rickshaws Besides miniature clay dolls, the centre sells wicker baskets too. 
Wicker baskets So the next time you are thinking of a day trip out of Bangkok, think of dropping by at the Court Dolls Centre at Ban Bang Sadet after which have lunch at Khun Kung’s Kitchen at Phae Rim Nam Resort. Table of contents Map to the Court Dolls Centre If the map doesn’t appear click on this link Address Court Dolls Centre Wat Ta Sutthawat Tambon Ban Bang Sadet Amphur Pa Mok Ang Thong Tel: 66 35 868 317 mobile: 66 6 1494 0538 Opening hours The Court Dolls Centre is open every day from 0900 – 1600 hours. How to get to there By car Ban Bang Sadet is about 90 km from Bangkok. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from Bangkok. From Bangkok head north along the Bang Pa-In – Pak Kred Expressway that passes Chaeng Watthana. Then branch off to highway 347 which will lead on to highway 309. Once you are on highway 309 look out for the sign indicating the turning to Ban Bang Sadet on your left. The centre is located near Wat Ta Sutthawat. 
At this white chedi, turn left to the road to the Court Dolls Centre Table of contents Next month Temples in Ang Thong If you enjoyed reading this e-zine, please forward it to a friend. If you received this from a friend and found it interesting, please subscribe at Bangkok Travelbug. What do you think of the Bangkok Travelbug? We love to hear from you What other subscribers have said Till next month then. Eric Lim Tour Bangkok Legacies Find us on Facebook Copyright@2008-2015 Tour Bangkok Legacies All rights reserved
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