The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) "contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers". This includes fair prices, fair working conditions, helping the environment and helping the communities of tourist areas. Thailand has its own problems with Fair Trade. There are many groups trying to help. One organization that is committed to Fair Trade is The Family Tree founded by Premruethai, a Thailand native and Peter, born in England who later found his love for the Thai people. The Family Tree is shop located in Thailand that sells crafts made by the people of Hua Hin, Thailand. The Family Tree was started to help teach women the skills of cutting, sewing, and dying Thai silk bags and clothing that would also create some income for their poor families; but it didn't stop there. As the children of these women grew older, they also needed some way to contribute. This is when Peter and Premruethai decided to open their own shop to support many different communities, groups and causes around Thailand. This allowed people of the Thai community to create crafts from their own culture and helping future generations. They also plant trees to help replenish the natural resources of Thailand.

As a part of Fair Trade, the Family Tree guarantees a fair price for the creator of the product along with fair working conditions and works in partnership with WFTO. These handmade arts and crafts made by local artists and community groups consist of over 75% of their products. These products contribute to preserving the Thai culture, arts and family businesses.

The Family Tree is involved in helping the environment. They have committed to plant one tree is for every 1000 Baht spent at the Family Tree. This effort has brought in more than $3000 US dollars in donations between the years 2011-2013. They have been able to raise money for a solar powered pump that will irrigate many of the trees they have planted.

The Family Tree is a company that has contributed a lot to the Thai community and tourism. Visit their website and see what they have to offer and maybe you can find ways that you can help Fair Trade tourism wherever you travel.

http://www.familytree-huahin.com/