Creative Economy Agency

Charoen Rat is not only a major thoroughfare on the Thonburi side but also a vital artery that has supported Thailand’s leather and fashion industry for over 30 years. Starting from a small beginning during the tourism boom, the demand for high-quality leather goods from tourists grew rapidly, turning this area into a key wholesale hub for leather products in the country. Even as time has passed, Charoen Rat has retained its charm and vibrant energy.

Here, you’ll find genuine leather from various animals, such as ostrich, crocodile, fish, and even chicken feet, as well as synthetic leather in various grades. Another highlight is the wide range of leatherworking tools available, including hammers, chisels, nails, polishing agents, and tanning solutions. It’s a one-stop destination for everything related to leather, from raw materials to finished products.

Explore 8 must-visit shops to bring your dream leatherwear to life!
If you can’t imagine how comprehensive Charoen Rat is for leather goods, picture this: you’re about to make your dream leather bag. This area has shops that cater to your every need, from the first nail to the final stitch. Grab the map and explore these 8 standout shops in Charoen Rat, where you can create your dream bag all in one place.

Start your journey by finding the ‘heart’ of your bag at Khumsup (bag accessories shop). Opened for over 30 years and managed by three generations, this bag accessories shop offers over 500 items, including zips, glue, and various lock designs. Whether you prefer vintage, cool, or luxurious styles, this shop has it all!

Less than 10 steps behind Khumsup, choose the “skin” for your bag at Super PVC, where you can select from a variety of PVC, PU, and synthetic leather in a variety of grades, textures, and colours. 

If you want a unique leather pattern, they can also help you design and customise it. Besides synthetic leather, Super PVC sells leatherworking tools, bag accessories, belts, and shoes.

For something unique, we recommend Thai & Sawat, located just a short walk from Super PVC on the left, opposite Soi Charoen Rat 10. This shop offers exotic animal leathers, including ostrich, crocodile, snake, frog, and even tilapia fish leather.

Many of their leathers are made from by-products, such as stingray leather and chicken feet leather, which are scraps from the fishing and food industries. Not only is this eco-friendly, but it also gives you one-of-a-kind leather options.

The owner of Thai & Sawat studied leather tanning in Germany, and is ready to offer professional advice. 

Let’s continue your search for the perfect leather for your dream bag. Cross the road from Thai & Sawat and walk a short distance on the right-hand side to find Nang Suay Dee, a shop offering high-quality genuine leather produced in Thailand. Their standout product is vegetable-tanned cowhide, known for its durability and ability to develop a unique patina over time based on individual use. This shop also offers laser engraving services to add a unique touch to your leatherwear. Whether you need leather for bags, shoes, or furniture, this shop provides premium genuine leather to meet all your needs.

Cross the road again, about 100 meters from Nang Suay Dee, and you’ll find Central All Leather Fashion Co., Ltd., another must-visit destination for genuine leather. Here, you’ll find a variety of high-quality genuine leathers, whether you’re looking for smooth leather, embossed animal prints, or natural grain patterns. They offer cowhide, sheepskin, pigskin, and even crocodile leather, catering to all your leatherworking needs.

A short walk from Soi Charoen Rat 4 brings you to Sricharoen Leather, a shop with over 30 years of history. Here, you can find a variety of genuine leather scraps sold by weight, ranging from plain leather to beautifully patterned pieces. These scraps are perfect for making keychains, cardholders, small bags, or even for practicing and experimenting with leather working.

Not only are these leather scraps wallet-friendly, but they are also by-products from large-scale manufacturing processes, recycled to reduce waste and be more eco-friendly. Therefore, you’re not only creating unique leatherwear but also help reducing excess waste in the industry.

If making a bag is like dressing up, leather is the beautiful outfit, but how can we lack the ‘accessories’? Step into Sirichai Leather Accessories Co., Ltd., and you’ll find a world of ‘accessories’ for bags. Small hardware pieces are neatly displayed in cabinets, waiting for creators to pick and enhance their designs. Each lock, rivet, and button is carefully selected to meet the needs of modern designers. Every accessory differs in small details. Even if some pieces look similar, the shop pays attention to differences down to the millimetre, from size and shape to colour. You can mix and match to create a bag that truly reflects your style.

Last but not least, equip yourself with the right ‘weapons’ for creation at Heng Lee. It’s another shop with over 20 years of experience in leatherworking tools, now managed by the second generation.

Here, you’ll find a warehouse of over 2,000 items to meet every craftsman’s needs, from basic tools like hammers and nails to professional machines like sole presses, bag edge folding machines, and even custom hole punchers for unique patterns and sizes. Equip yourself with the tools to create your dream bag.

Now that you have everything, it’s time to create your dream leather bag! Charoen Rat is like a giant studio, surrounded by shops that serve as essential tools for releasing your creativity and making your leather masterpiece.

Leatherwork and Art: A look back at Charoen Rat
Charoen Rat isn’t just a leather district; it’s also a vibrant and colourful area. Wong Wian Yai Market at the start of the road is a lively commercial hub, while the Khlong Ton Sai community is home to artists and craftsmen ready to produce creative works. Charoen Rat reflects Bangkok’s perfect blend of past and present, traditional culture and modern creativity.

Learn more about this district and other interesting materials at www.tcdcmaterial.com

Photo by : TCDC Materials

Story by : Chuonjarern Chujinda