Integrating tradition and sustainability: Crafting with Ton Bai Romkao in Phang Nga Province, Thailand.

This article focuses on the traditional use and sustainable development of Ton Bai Romkao, an Indigenous plant species unique to Phang Nga Province in Southern Thailand, as a cultural commodity to support local economic and cultural sustainability. The study identifies the plant's durable and flexible leaves as suitable for crafting products such as conical hats, which are made using traditional techniques combined with materials like rattan and bamboo. Local communities in Kapong District have developed these crafts into a supplementary livelihood, supported by agricultural agencies through propagation efforts and community collaboration. The research highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with sustainable practices to promote cultural preservation, economic growth, and ecological balance, while cautioning against overexploitation and emphasizing the need for environmental impact assessments and stakeholder cooperation.