A loan helped to buy supplies and yarn to weave hammocks consistently through the coming year.


Bai's story

Bai is a member of the Mlabri Tribe, a small hill-tribe in rural Northern Thailand. The Mlabri were traditionally a hunter-gatherer society, but development and rampant deforestation in the late 20th century decimated their way of life. Denied citizenship by the government and without a sophisticated understanding of the modern world, the Mlabri were quickly forced into indentured servitude and toxic fieldwork by neighboring tribes. Malnourishment and malaria killed many tribe members. They are now listed on UNESCO’s endangered languages list, with fewer than 400 Mlabri left in the world.

Bai has endured a difficult life and has been widowed three times. Growing up, she went to school, but was not allowed to. She explains, “We were afraid of soldiers and policemen; we had been told that they would shoot us if they found us, so whenever they came around, we hid in the jungles.”

Hammock weaving is the first economic opportunity that has provided Bai with a foothold toward stability and a brighter future for her children.

For Bai and her fellow Mlabri, the extended family is part of the core family unit, so she doesn’t just weave in order to support her own children, but as part of a movement to improve the financial stability and wellbeing of the entire community.

With this loan, Bai will be able to invest in raw materials and secure consistent weaving work this coming year.


This loan is special because:

It creates employment opportunities for vulnerable populations living in remote rural areas.



Loan details


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details