NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Walailak University is spearheading two innovative environmental initiatives in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province that convert waste into valuable resources while supporting local communities.
Blessing Bags from Firecracker Remnants
An innovative eco-friendly project is turning the remnants of firecrackers used in gratitude rituals for “Ai Khai” at Wat Chedi into stylish “blessing firecracker tail bags.” This initiative, called Srichon, promotes environmental sustainability while boosting the local economy in Sichon District.
At the Ban Khao Sai Environmental Lovers Community Enterprise in Plian Sub-district, Walailak University researchers presented their project on managing cultural capital rooted in local beliefs surrounding the ancient sand ridge. Working alongside local government bodies, Wat Chedi (also known as Wat Ai Khai), and community members, the initiative addresses the environmental challenge of firecracker tail waste—transforming what was once discarded as trash into beautiful, sustainable bags imbued with the symbolism of success.
Supanna Kaewtheuan, President of the Ban Khao Sai Environmental Lovers Community Enterprise, revealed that villagers were initially hesitant to collect firecracker remnants from the temple, fearing that Ai Khai’s spirit might guard them. However, with support from local leaders, Wat Chedi, and Walailak University, the idea of transforming these remnants into valuable handcrafted products became a reality.
“Each bag requires 999 firecracker tails, and every piece represents a fulfilled wish. If the wish had not come true, no one would have offered firecrackers in gratitude,” Supanna explained. “If we consider each firecracker tail a symbol of success, its value could amount to millions. With 999 pieces, the symbolic worth could exceed billions or even tens of billions. These bags now embody that success, offering inspiration and encouragement to those who own them.”
Associate Professor Prachya Kritsanaphan from Walailak University’s School of Architecture and Design noted that the project is supported by the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU A) to create economic opportunities through local culture and beliefs. What was once considered waste has now become a valuable product, reflecting both environmental awareness and innovative craftsmanship.
“The first step was to bring this vision to life. On its own, a firecracker tail has little to no value—after use, it might be worth only 10 baht per kilogram. However, when combined with its original meaning as a symbol of success, hundreds of pieces come together to form a single bag, amplifying their symbolic worth. The final product, meticulously handcrafted by local artisans, is now available for just a few thousand baht,” the research team explained.
Revolutionizing Municipal Waste Management
Simultaneously, Walailak University has implemented a comprehensive waste management system for Pak Poon Municipality that has achieved remarkable results:
- Reduced daily waste from 18 tons to just 1.8 tons
- Lowered annual disposal costs by 2.3 million baht
- Implemented successful community waste segregation
- Created value from waste through multiple channels, including animal feed, refuse-derived fuel, compost, biogas, and construction materials
“Pak Poon Municipality has implemented a Community Waste Segregation policy, encouraging public participation from the source,” notes Associate Professor Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee, project head.
Both initiatives demonstrate how innovative approaches can transform environmental challenges into opportunities, honoring local traditions while implementing sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and local economies.
__________
