At a time when book publishing is in decline, any release is liable to receive a lot of attention. But that’s not the main reason why a new title by a renowned photographer has gained such a warm welcome from culture vultures and book lovers. This is a coffee table book that can be judged by its cover and its weight!

The unique tome titled “TAI, A Woven Culture” comes in the extra-large size of 29.5 x 32.9 cm and weighs in at a hefty 3 kilos.  Published by River Books, the book is the work of renowned Belgian photographer Hans Roels and avid Thai textile collector and co-founder of the Tai Textile Society in Bangkok, Napajaree Suanduenchai.

“TAI, A Woven Culture” is a unique pictorial book on the weaving arts and culture of the Tai community in Thailand and beyond. The 348 pages provide very extensive information on the Tau ethnic minority.

All sub-groups are covered in the book including Tai Noi, Tai Yai, Tai Yuan, Tai Moei, Tai Dam, Tai Daeng, Tai Khao and Tai Lue. The name of each sub-group is used based on their weaving heritage and by the name they call themselves.

The book was launched at the Royal Library in Brussels, Belgium in March, and has just been released in Bangkok at the Blue Elephant restaurant, one of the book’s main sponsors. The launch was attended by media and those supporting the book, along with culture minister Itthiphol Khunplome.

The pictorial chronology of Tai textiles intertwined with a unique history and culture and the people involved make the book unique. Altogether 1,241 people are photographed standing up for their pride and identity. That the images are stunning comes as no surprise. Roels has worked as a commercial photographer, creating images for a range of clients in the fashion, beauty, and advertising industries, but it is his fine art photography that has garnered the most attention and critical acclaim. This book is yet another masterpiece.

Roels and Napajaree spent a great deal of time amongst the sub-groups of TAI ethnic minority and learned about their uniqueness in terms of history and culture. The Belgian photographer was touched by the willingness to pose for the pictures. “They have to stand still for me because I can’t shoot them while they are moving,” Roels said.

The book features 23 groups of Tai who live across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, South China and Assam, India, and their different cultures. “What binds them together is the weaving which is the Tai identity,” the book explains.

Altogether Roels collected over 230 photos for this book which took him and the Thai co-author 25 years to finish. In the process, the Belgian photographer also learned how modernity is taking a toll on this fascinating culture. “The new generation isn’t keen on time–consuming weaving anymore which is a shame. However, I’m glad that I started this project in time to enjoy what remains of traditions that are both beautiful and unforgettable.”

He added that he hoped the book would bring readers close to the Tai and the core of this ethnic group.

“Discovering these Tai textiles reminds me of the beauty of these people who are farmers and who create beautiful work through their textiles, which showcase both their identity and dignity of being TAI,” said Napajaree.

The book retails for 3,200 baht per copy, a price that could not be possible without its sponsors in Thailand and abroad. The book is also sponsored by Munken in Sweden, one of the world’s most environmentally friendly paper mills. “TAI…” is printed on paper that is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the book is 100% printed using wind power at its sponsor By Wind, a leading Nordic printing company.

The book is in English and there are 3,000 copies in its first edition, 100 of which have been donated to schools and universities for use as study material. Profits from book sales in the North of Thailand will go to the Thai Education Foundation.

By Veena Thoopkrajae