Organized by: Chiangmai CAD Foundation
Supported by: Government Savings Bank (GSB)
Location: Chiangmai CAD Cultural Center, Ban Pao Samkha, Mae On District, Chiang Mai
Renowned for organizing the magical Yi Peng Lantern Festival, the Chiangmai CAD Foundation continues to champion community development—this time by planting the seeds of self-reliance and sustainability through the First Career Training Program for the Mae On Community.
With the spotlight on bamboo—a humble yet powerful natural resource—this program provides local residents with the knowledge and hands-on training they need to turn raw materials into meaningful income-generating opportunities.
Program Objectives
- To promote the use of local resources and raw materials—specifically bamboo—as a way for Mae On residents to create value from what they already have in abundance.
- To equip participants with skills to build careers and generate income, turning traditional knowledge into modern economic opportunity.
- To provide in-depth training on bamboo cultivation and maintenance, ensuring that this renewable resource is nurtured responsibly for future generations.
Venue
The training takes place at the Chiangmai CAD Cultural Center,
35 Moo 3, Ban Pao Samkha, On Klang Subdistrict, Mae On District, Chiang Mai.
Bamboo: The Backbone of Yi Peng Festival’s Sustainability
Bamboo is more than just a training focus—it’s deeply woven into the cultural and creative framework of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, which the Chiangmai CAD Foundation proudly organizes each year. The festival is famous not only for its sky lanterns, but also for its commitment to eco-conscious design and low-impact materials.
Here’s how bamboo is used throughout the event:
- Festival Furniture: Bamboo is handcrafted into chairs, benches, stools, and tables for guests, monks, and performers.
- Market & Food Booths: Vendors provides traditional northern Thai cuisine and local crafts from charming bamboo booths that blend into the natural surroundings.
- Decorative Arches & Gateways: Festival entrances and lantern walkways are framed with intricately woven bamboo structures, creating an earthy, authentic ambiance.
- Signage & Art Installations: Bamboo is used as the base for hand-painted signs, welcome messages, and even sculptural elements symbolizing Lanna heritage.
- Zero Waste Goals: By replacing plastic or synthetic materials with bamboo, the festival moves closer to its goal of being a low-waste, environmentally respectful event.
This approach not only aligns with environmental values but also provides practical examples of how bamboo can be turned into beautiful, functional, and saleable products—giving inspiration and direction to trainees in the career development program.
A Vision of Empowerment and Sustainability
By connecting local traditions with future-forward thinking, the Chiangmai CAD Foundation is demonstrating that economic development and cultural preservation can go hand-in-hand. Through bamboo, the people of Mae On can create products that serve their families, support festivals, and attract visitors—while protecting the environment and honoring their heritage.
Whether crafting a chair for a festival guest or planting a bamboo grove for future generations, this initiative is about growing livelihoods from the roots of the land.
Stay connected with Chiangmai CAD Foundation for more community initiatives and cultural celebrations like the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
