The dress maker
PHUKET: Kamolrat “Teang” Poungtong, a talented dress maker from Nakhon Sri Thammrat province, has lived in Phuket since 1978.
Sukunya Phoonpong
Monday 11 June 2012, 10:25AM
She learned her dressmaking skills from her uncle in Bangkok, subsequently moving across several provinces working in various shops, before finally opening her own in Phuket in 1990.
“Working for myself is better than working with others,” says Teang. “Every morning I can do my household chores before starting my job, and I have more time to spend with my family.”
Teang’s main work is making uniforms for schools and companies, though she also fixes people’s clothes when she has free time.
“My main customers are my neighbours, and I usually have more than 20 items of clothing to fix.”
She has lived with her two daughters since divorcing.
“My youngest daughter calls me ‘Iron Woman’ because my husband and I separated since both my daughters were very young.
“He has a new family but I do not care because I have my daughters, who are my strength. By myself I have been able to provide my daughters with everything they have needed.”
Now, both have graduated from university and have good jobs.
“I am very proud” says a beaming Teang.
Teang’s dressmaker shop is located on Soi Sutat 2, Phuket Town.
