The coconut farmers are experiencing a decline of farm productivity and unstable markets for their traditional coconut products such as copra and coconut oil. The coconut farmer cannot afford to invest more in coconut cultivation unless he/she gets good returns. Consequently, the coconut industry experiences low coconut production on which about 50 million people depend for their income and nutrition. Production and marketing of high- value coconut products from the coconut kernel, husk, shell, water, wood and leaves are appropriate to enhance the income of coconut farmers in the coconut-based farming system. This could increase the income of farmers by 5-10 times compared to the income from copra. Likewise, coconut handicrafts are made mainly of coconut shell, wood, midrib, leaves, coir and fiber. Coconut shell handicrafts are one of the value added products by which the farmers can earn more income. There are different production techniques of the various coconut shell handicrafts such as necklace, bracelet, bag, belt, ladle, buttons, lamp shade, tray, coffee pot, cup, serving set, tablespoon, serving spoon, gift set, ear ring, bowl, key ring, etc. The handicrafts are sold in the domestic markets as well as in the export markets such as the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Holland, Malaysia, Singapore, and Philippines. Thick, fine, and round or globular shape (depend on the handicraft) coconut shells are suitable for making handicrafts.  Globular and round shape shells are frequently used.  The coconut varieties namely Sawi hybrid No.1, Thai Tall and West African Tall are suitable for making handicrafts.  The handicraft processing steps includes cutting, trimming, polishing, drawing patterns as of designs, setting and then ready for sales. Conventional wood or coconut wood are used to make handles for ladle, fish slice, spoon, serving spoon, serving set etc.  Almost all the manufactures are coconut small holder farmers such as group of farmers, and small enterprises. The coconut shell handicrafts producers should have technical, creative and artistic skills. The raw material cost, heavy and semi-heavy machines, shell and labour are the major components of the production cost. The machines are very important to maintain production quantity and to create designs to attract the customers. The selling price is 100-300% higher than factory price (depending on the kind of products) of the handicrafts.  

In conclusion, to strengthen the marketing prospects for handicrafts in the domestic and international market, Thailand promotes the participation in the trade exhibition, market promotion campaigns and make readily available information on handicrafts to the customers. Coconut shell handicrafts   generate promising additional income for coconut farmers.