Ban Thung Luang is a village located in Thung Luang Subdistrict, Khiri Mat District, Sukhothai Province, approximately 17 kilometers from Sukhothai city. The village is renowned as a major center for traditional pottery production, making it one of the most famous pottery hubs in the province.

 

Most villagers in Ban Thung Luang rely on pottery-making as their primary occupation. There are over 200 households engaged in pottery production, with nearly every household crafting pottery beneath their homes. The techniques and skills have been passed down through generations, preserving the ancestral knowledge and traditional methods that give the pottery its unique character, from shape and design to texture and durability.

 

The production process begins with digging clay from the fields surrounding the village. The clay is soaked in water for one day and one night to soften it before being mixed with sand at a ratio of 2:1 to improve strength and plasticity. The mixture is then kneaded using machines—or in the past, by foot—to achieve a smooth and workable consistency.

 

Pottery shaping is done using four main methods, each producing distinct forms and aesthetics. These include hand-beating techniques, wheel-throwing, slip casting, and detailed hand molding. Once the pieces are shaped, artisans carve or paint intricate patterns to enhance the visual appeal and uniqueness of each item.

 

The final stage is firing, a critical step in pottery-making. Ban Thung Luang uses several types of kilns, including the traditional stacked kiln (sum kiln), tunnel kilns that offer improved efficiency, and gas kilns for precise temperature control. The firing time varies depending on the type and size of the product, generally taking about four hours. After firing, the pottery is left to cool slowly for one to two days to ensure strength and stability.

 

Beyond their aesthetic and artistic value, Ban Thung Luang’s pottery reflects the local culture and lifestyle. Pottery-making is not merely a means of livelihood but also a way to preserve ancestral knowledge, instill community pride, and maintain a connection to cultural heritage.

 

Visitors to Ban Thung Luang have the opportunity to experience pottery-making firsthand, from clay preparation, kneading, shaping, and painting, to firing in traditional kilns. Completed pieces can also be purchased as souvenirs, each representing a work of art crafted with care and the distinctive identity of the village.

 

Ban Thung Luang is therefore not only a renowned pottery-producing village in Sukhothai but also a living center of local culture, preserving Thai craftsmanship and ancestral wisdom while contributing to both the local economy and cultural heritage.