Thon Village
Thon Village Thon Village or Ban Thon is a seaside village located on the white beach that is still very natural. It is located at Khok Tian Sub-district, around 16 kilometers from town, on Highway No. 4136 (Narathiwat-Ban Thon). Most of the villagers are Thai Muslims and are mainly fishermen, which makes it one of the most important Thai Muslim fisherman villages of Narathiwat. During free time, the villagers will produce local handicrafts such as real and miniature Korlae boats and products made from Krachut sedge which are unique symbols of the village and famous souvenirs of Narathiwat Province. This well-known center for the production of real and miniature Korlae boats sell the items from a few hundred baht to ten thousand baht. But, the value of these products come from the makers which some of them are only boys, aged over 13 years old, who are interested in local art and spend their free time practicing making boats. Korlae boats are the reflection of local people’s pride in their Thai Muslim heritage which has long painted their boats with unique pattern of mixture of Malay and Thai patterns. The patterns include Kanok, Bua Khwam, Bua Ngai, Naga’s head, Hunuman Hern Weha and the mystical bird “Burong Si-ngo,” a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a bird with a fish in its mouth, painted at the boat’s prow. It is believed that Burong Si-ngo is a very powerful creature which is very good at diving. Therefore, it has been admired by many fishermen since ancient time. Regarding the products made from Krachut sedge and Annonaceae leaves, a few of the most popular products include colorful and exquisitely designed eyeglass holders, bags and mats, ranging in price from 30 baht to a few hundred baht. Other renowned products of the villages include the sumptuous Budu sauce and fish crackers made from many kinds of fish. Tourists can see their making process and buy these products back home as souvenirs. However, visitors should note that on Fridays, local vendors will take the day off to attend prayers, and as a result, shopping trips should be planned on other days.
