Tha Homemade: Where Craft Meets Home—Thanit Jaroenpotsathapon
We all have those little things that bring the comfort of home flooding back—a dish that tastes like childhood, a smoothie that soothes like the cool breeze of an air-conditioned room, or even clothes that make us feel completely ourselves. For many, this feeling of home comes from Tha Homemade, a brand offering batik clothing, natural tie-dye, and eco-printing. It’s the evolution of a family craft, further developed by my high school friend from Chiang Mai, Pon Thanit Jaroenpotsathapon.
Over the years, I became such a regular customer that my refrigerator door is now covered with adorable postcards from Pon. Today, my team and I had the pleasure of visiting Pon’s home in San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai—a place that is not only her personal sanctuary but also the creative hub where Tha Homemade’s most exquisite pieces come to life.
“Eat as much as you like—don’t hold back!” Pon’s mother greeted us warmly, her smile radiating hospitality.
Under the shade of a tree next to their traditional Lanna-style wooden house, Pon’s mother had prepared a feast. The table overflowed with northern Thai delicacies, fruits, and snacks: khao soi (curried noodle soup), longans, mangoes, rambutans, and khao tom mat (sticky rice and banana parcels wrapped in banana leaves).
Our lunch setting was the heart of Pon’s home, an open yet shaded space where batik fabrics in vibrant patterns swayed gently in the breeze. Nearby, there were corners for painting, dyeing, washing, and drying—each process visible up close, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind every piece. After indulging in the meal, we lingered to chat with Pon, letting our conversation help digest the feast.
Why the name “Pon”?
“My parents chose it for me,” Pon explained. “Actually, my great-grandmother’s name was Po, so my dad wanted to name me Kham Pon—‘Kham’ being a word Northerners use, like in ‘Oui Kham.’ But my mom thought it might embarrass me, so she settled on just ‘Pon.’”
Why Tha Homemade?
“Tha Homemade comes from the name ‘Tha.’ My first name is Thanit, and back in high school, my friends used to call me Tha. I decided to use that name and pair it with ‘Homemade.’ It reflects the idea that everything is crafted at home—every step of the process, from making to creating, involves people in my family. Over time, it grew to include people from my village too. That’s how the name ‘Tha Homemade’ came to be.”
Can you tell us about the beginnings of Tha Homemade?
“I never imagined I’d end up doing this. Back then, I just wanted to study art. But during the long break in my sophomore year—a full six months—I felt like I needed to do something. My mom suggested that I try making something to sell.
“At first, I wanted to work with batik, but it seemed too complex to tackle on my own because of all the intricate techniques. So, I started with tie-dye instead. My mom taught me some basics, and I learned more from the internet. I began selling my creations at the Walking Street market. Initially, I focused on cloth bags, but customers started asking if I made clothes too. That’s when I shifted to clothing, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Have you been immersed in these skills since childhood?
“I’ve been around batik for as long as I can remember. During school breaks in junior high, I started helping my parents, mainly with coloring. I was just a kid, though, and to be honest, I was pretty lazy—I didn’t want to work all day, so I’d opt for ironing instead. The first patterns I learned to make were floral batik designs, as my family specializes in floral motifs. For more complex patterns, we’d work on color slides. My family mostly works with mixed fabrics like silk blended with cotton or hemp, featuring both floral and graphic designs.”
How do you incorporate your parents’ knowledge into Tha Homemade?
“I feel fortunate that I didn’t have to start everything from scratch. I had the tools and the foundational knowledge passed down from my parents, which I can build on. My role is to adapt everything to fit modern trends while staying true to the identity of our brand.
“My mom studied fashion and textiles, so she guides me in fabric making and sewing. My dad, on the other hand, used to be an architect. Once he realized this could become a sustainable career, he decided to leave his job and work with my mom full-time. A lot of what I know, I probably picked up from my dad—he is the one who designs the fabric patterns. These days, though, my mom has taken on more of a managerial role, focusing on overseeing the team.”
What’s your daily work routine like at home?
“Every morning, my mom and I start the day by checking on the dogs—taking them for a walk and feeding them. My dad usually begins by inspecting the house and the work area to make sure everything is in order. By 8:00 AM, the workers arrive to start their tasks.
“Later in the morning, my mom collects fabric from various craftsmen and delivers it to others for the next stages of work. My dad primarily oversees the production process, while my mom handles communications with the craftsmen in our community. After that, we head to our shop downtown. In the evening, we sit down to review the day’s orders and sales, checking what’s out of stock and planning what needs to be replenished.”
Did you ever imagine yourself working in the family business?
“Not at all. My parents never expected me to join them in their work. My younger brother has his own interests, and I’m the one who gravitates toward this. It feels like the right fit. I honestly can’t imagine what it would be like if I were doing something else entirely.”
What have you learned from working with your family?
“We argue sometimes—well, quite often actually—but I can live with that. Sometimes I talk to them like they’re my parents, and other times like they’re my friends (laughs). Working with my parents isn’t exactly easy, but it’s not too hard either. It requires communication. They’ve been in this field long before me, so we’ve had to adjust and find common ground.
“For example, when it comes to Tha Homemade fabric patterns, my parents sometimes want to stick to their own style of design. But I’ll point out that teenagers today might not go for those patterns anymore. So we discuss it and find compromises—simplifying or modernizing designs as needed. They’re not always right, and neither am I. Disagreements are inevitable, but we find a middle ground. Since I’ve committed to doing this, I’m determined to make it work together with them.”
Who else do you work with besides your parents?
“There are a lot of people involved—fabric artisans who live in the same area. Ton oversees various tasks, and Nat, another fabric artisan, is currently honing skills and refining techniques. Auntie Tuk also works on fabrics.
“There’s a whole network of aunties from the village. Auntie Kai is a pattern maker, while Auntie Chan, Auntie Torn, and Auntie Leng handle sewing. Auntie Lin and Auntie Dam specialize in pleating. We also have a grandmother who ensures quality control and helps with ironing.
“It was my mom who first invited them to join us. They often tell her that being able to work locally has made their lives easier since they don’t have to go out, which reduces expenses. It’s something I take pride in—I feel like I’m contributing to the sustainability of livelihoods in the community. They don’t have to struggle to find jobs in the city anymore.”
Seems like you have helped your neighbors stay closer to home
“My mom shared a story from the morning market—or as northerners call it, ‘Baan Kad.’ The aunties selling their goods told her how great it is that more people are now working with us. Elderly villagers have found jobs, and even teenagers are starting to join.
“It makes me happy to know that they don’t have to leave home to find work. During lunch breaks, they can eat at home with their families and then return to their tasks. They get to spend more time with their loved ones, and that’s something that truly brings me joy.”
How Would You Define ‘Home’?
“Home, without people, would be so quiet. To me, home is a place where I’m surrounded by the ones I love—and my dogs. I genuinely enjoy being home. Sometimes, when I’m out with friends, I find myself thinking, I just want to go home already (laughs).
“Back then, our house didn’t have as many designated workspaces as it does now. We used to work only under the house, without separate areas for fabric-making like today. Yet, there was never a moment when our home was empty. It was never silent. People have always been coming and going, ever since I was a kid. If I were to live alone, I think it would feel too quiet. A house needs people to truly feel like a home.”
When Have You Felt the Meaning of ‘Home’?
“I think it’s in the small things—like just asking, “Have you eaten yet?” That simple act feels like home. Or maybe we’ve been together so much that it transcends the word ‘home.’”
What Brings You Happiness Each Day?
“Spending time with my dogs, and just enjoying the little things. When customers appreciate our work and share it on Instagram, it makes me so happy. Eating good food—being able to enjoy whatever I’m craving—already brings me so much joy. And when I get to have meals with my family on weekends, that’s just perfect.”
The word ‘home’ is a short, simple term, yet its meaning varies for everyone. For some, home isn’t a physical structure or a house with fences. It’s the people, memories, and shared moments that make a home alive and warm.
Visiting Pon’s home—a space where the colors and patterns of Tha Homemade are crafted—clarifies the essence of ‘home’ for us. It echoes the timeless lyrics of Elvis Presley’s song: “Home is where the heart is.” Though it may sound cliché, when you truly reflect on its meaning, we believe it captures the true spirit of the word.
