Sanuk in Thailand

The author took a break from holiday preparations to read the Bangkok Post which may not be something many of you do over your morning coffee. The paper was filled with drug busts and deaths in the Golden Triangle of Thailand, vote-buying discussions in advance of the general Thai election slated for next year, a cache of guns found in the troubled south of Thailand as well as coverage of demonstrations by Buddhist priests in Myanmar protesting the return of the Rohingya refuges from Bangladesh to their homes in Myanmar. However, there was one bit that caused a smile and reminded me of the fundamental reason Thailand is such a wonderful place and that is "sanuk."

Sanuk is the Thai word for fun. The Thai people can have fun doing the simplest of things while creating unusual and ersatz events which heighten the level of fun. Every year several hundred soon to be married brides and grooms compete in a four-kilometer run in Bangkok with the winning couple receiving a honeymoon package in the Maldives. Therefore, as the pressures of the holiday season take their toll on your mood, scroll down through the images below and fix the concept of "sanuk" in your mind for the season.

Smile like you were in Thailand, the "Land of Smiles," and have a Merry Christmas. Or, as the British say, Happy Christmas.

A gift from The Elephant Story is sure to be unique. With products coming from Asian countries, the majority of our inventory is from fair trade artisans and indigenous hill tribes who depend on the sales of their crafts as their sole support.

Custom Pillows

Each pillow is designed by us using vintage fabrics from the hill tribes of Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries. They are then sewn into unique, one-of-a-kind pillows right here in the Texas Hill Country.

Hand Carved Elephant Figures

Our hand carved elephant wall art and figurines are carved out of Monkey Wood in Northern Thailand. Each piece has its own personality.

$30 to $495

$55 to $650

Hill Tribe Handbags

Made from vintage and new hand-woven fabrics from hill tribes in Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries, these bags will show off your individuality.

Vietnam Era Fatigue Jackets with Vintage Hmong Fabric

The Elephant Story purchases vintage Hmong fabric in The Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar join and applies the vintage fabric to Vietnam era fatigue jackets.

$20 to $350

$450 - $495

Elephant Print Lounge Pants

Available in many patterns and colors, these elephant print pants are incredibly soft and perfect for lounging around. Adult, Youth and Children's sizes.

Egg & Oyster Shell Lacquered Coconut Shell Bowls

A stylish spin on hand-made Lacquerware, these bowls are made of Coconut shell halves. They are then covered with Eggshell pieces or Oyster Shell and layered with multiple coats of natural lacquer.

$10 to $15

$15 to $20