Dispensing Thainess

From Thai-style gashapons to a portable shrine in case you need spiritual uplift on the go, Thai culture has been a big inspiration to many product designers and makers who put creative spins and present Thainess in a contemporary way. Here’s Guru’s list of cool products inspired by Thainess.

Amulets with consciousness

Design brand Qualy is well known for its cute and eco-friendly products. Think of salt and pepper shakers as a pair of brown and white polar bears, with salt coming out of the bear’s eyes. Established in 2004 by brothers Teerachai and Thosaphol Supameteekulwat, Qualy collaborated with dots design studio to introduce a line of minimalist-looking Buddha amulets made from upcycled materials, earlier this month.

(Photos: Qualy)

Buddha amulets are usually made of muan sarn, a combination of materials that have been blessed. Reportedly…