Out & About Magazine article about My Thai

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[text as appears above]
Wilmington may be the home of conservative taste and colonial tradition, but if the success of My Thai is anything to go by, local residents are keenly interested in more exotic cultures as well. Especially those rich in ancient traditions. Now entering its third year, the gift shop specializing in handmade treasures from Thailand invites cultural curiosity and leisurely browsing.

Co-owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Joel and Tum Wilson, My Thai was launched to give Thai craftspeople an opportunity to export and sell their products. With that mission in mind, the boutique purchases all its merchandise directly from artists and artisans in Thailand and maintains solid relationships with cooperatives established by the Queen to perpetuate the country's rich artistic hertitage.

"Our main goal is to promote Thai culture in Delaware and to empower craftspeople in Thailand to maintain their traditions," explains Tum, a native of Ratchaburi, a village located near Bangkok. "We buy directly from Thai crafters and sell a range of products that reflect their workmanship."

The pride that such individual artists place in their wares is on full display throughout My Thai and is evident in a wide range of products, from the handmade papers to the intricately embroidered silk jackets and blouses.

"We strive to import a wide variety of products representative of Thai culture," says Joel, who met Tum while teaching abroad. "I've always been interested in other traditions and I think that most people are equally as curious. Everyone can appreciate the creativity and effort that go into hand-crafted items. The intent of My Thai is to encourage that while perpetuating the heritage of Thailand."

My Thai is located at 21-A Trolley Square, Wilm. on the park side, adjacent to Gilpin Ave. Hours of operation are Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Sat., 10-6 p.m. For more information, call 428-1040 [EST]. Or visit http://www.picturetrail.com/mythai

[article by Becca Hutchinson ]
[page 65]
[December 2002 issue]
[for more information on Out & About Magazine visit

http://www.out-and-about.com]

Out & About Magazine article about My Thai

(reprint of text as appeared in December 2002 issue)