Namtan pan

Namtan pan (Thai: น้ำตาลปั้น, pronounced [nám.tāːn pân], "sculpted sugar") is a traditional Thai candy. It comes in many colors and shapes, such as monkeys, dragons, flowers, and fruits. It depends on the creativity of makers. Namtan pan derives its name from the process in which it is made.

Traditionally, namtan pan was usually made and sold at Chinese opera theatres by Teochew immigrants, who may have introduced the sweet into Thailand. The vendors would use a foldaway tool set consisting of a working bench, pots and stove to make and sell their products. But others presume that it is a Thai wisdom that have foldaway tool and existed when there is a temple fair. (Kumorng, 2010)

Twenty years ago, namtan pan could be commonly found at temple fairs and festivals. However, its popularity has since largely declined, in part due to changing societal values and concerns about hygiene and ingredient safety. Few people now wish to make a living selling namtan pan, a craft that requires patience and creative skill. The syrup has to be boiled for days, then moulded into shapes by hand when hot. (manager, 2010) Although it’s have a lot of effort and gradually fading, Namtarn Paan can show the story about Thai wisdom, the old memory in the past and the story behind to sculpt of Namtarn Paan that conceal the thought of maker.

Thai people who live with natural and self-sufficiency happen from their wisdom, when they got the reed (Ton-aor = ต้นอ้อ) in the forest for sugar skewer and the mold from baked clay. They have to simmer the sugar with colorful day by day. Namtarn Paan’s foldaway tool has embers under the tray of sugar so Namtarn Paan’s makers have to sculpt a shape and form when it is still hot. When it cool down, it will be hard. To create the Namtarn Paan sculpture, makers have to create follow the trend like common cartoon characters, dolls or follow the events such as flower in Valentine’s Day for teenagers buy for their lover. The image of Namtarn Paan is a lot of power to attract the kids and also bring the old memory of adult to take the Namtarn Paan to be a memento.

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