How did Go Went Gone start?
Eak: It originated from our love of journeys. When we graduated, we wanted to travel but we didn’t have much money. Jaa and Tar came up with the idea of hitchhiking but we had doubts about that in Thailand. In the end, though, we were wrong. We were so overwhelmed from the generosity we were shown from people along the way. The more remote the area, the more kindness we were shown. It gave us the idea of giving back to others and helping society.
What have you done so far?
Eak: We started raising money with our tie-dye T-shirt workshops at Aree Garden nearly two years ago. People loved making their own unpredictable patterns. We used the money to buy dolls for children at the Children Hospital. We’ve also made a bunch of survival bags from stuff donated from friends to give to homeless people, who we meet often.
Why do you do this?
Tar: With society developing at such a fast pace, there are always people who are going to miss out. No one wants to be homeless. People all have their own backstories. Sometimes all you need is a little leg-up.
Jajaa: There are so many social disparities but I believe that the real disparity is actually in people’s minds. Many disdain homeless people because they think they are different. But, really, they’re humans too. They just don’t have a home. Many of them earn a living; they’re not beggars. Some homeless guys even think that we’re weird for giving them things, too.
What else are you up to?
Eak: As we studied textile, costume, garment and fashion design at Thammasat, we are determined to use our design knowledge to develop local products. Since starting out last year, our project has won the social enterprise competition Champions for Change 3, hosted by Banpu, the energy company. We’ve helped weavers at Baan Tamor in Surin province to redesign their silk products for today’s market, while preserving their traditional methods. We try to advise them on global trends, like what colors or types of products people are looking for. It was a surprise for us to find they are all really interested in fashion trends, even though they are all aunties!
Are the new generations interested in weaving?
Tar: It’s a bit sad that many adults have to leave their hometown to go work in the city, but we’re happy that youngsters in the village are eager to learn more about weaving. We try to design patterns that are quite easy for them to start with. This means they can come to really love their local tradition.
Find their products at TCDC and Mahuna Bookshop at Aree Garden
