The Khok Sawang Housewife Community Enterprise, widely recognized under the brand "Saithip Khaotan," stands as a pinnacle of local wisdom and community resilience. Established in 1998 during a period of plummeting sticky rice prices, the villagers turned to their culinary heritage to add value to their agricultural produce. Led by Mrs. Saithip Lama, the group transformed a simple traditional snack, "Khaotan" (rice crackers), into a premium 5-star OTOP product that now reaches national markets.

What truly sets their rice crackers apart is their unwavering commitment to traditional methods, specifically the use of a local herb known as "Paederia foetida" (Stinking Vine). The juice extracted from this herb is mixed with premium long-grain sticky rice, acting as a natural leavening agent that allows the rice to puff up beautifully when fried. This process results in a distinctively light, airy crunch that is superior to chemically treated alternatives. It is a chemical-free, health-conscious approach that honors the environment and the consumer alike.

The community’s most famous innovation is the "Khaotan Phan Na" (Rice Crackers with a Thousand Toppings) concept. Moving beyond the traditional drizzled cane sugar, the housewives developed an astonishing array of over 30 toppings to suit modern palates. These include savory options like shredded pork with chili paste, spicy Tom Yum, and mixed grains, as well as sweet varieties like chocolate and seasonal fruit glazes. Every piece is sun-dried in hygienic greenhouse dryers to ensure consistency and cleanliness before being fried to golden perfection and seasoned with authentic coconut sugar.

Today, this enterprise is much more than a snack factory; it serves as a "Model Community Learning Center." It welcomes visitors and study groups from across the country to learn about sustainable community management, household accounting, and proactive marketing strategies. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern business technology, the group has secured a stable income for its members and revitalized the local economy. Their dedication was officially honored in 2026 when they received the National Model Community Enterprise Award, solidifying their status as a benchmark for Thai grassroots success.

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How to Get There

• From Khon Kaen city center, take Mittraphap Road (Highway No. 2) heading south (towards Nakhon Ratchasima). Upon reaching Amphoe Phon, turn right onto Highway No. 2050 towards Amphoe Waeng Yai. Then continue to Tambon Khon Chim to reach Ban Khok Sawang (using a GPS navigation system is recommended for convenience).

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Travel Tips

• If traveling as a group, you can contact them to arrange a study tour to observe the entire rice cracker production process, from steaming the rice, pressing the molds, drying, and frying to decorating.

• Don't forget to buy rice crackers with various toppings as souvenirs, as they are affordably priced and fresh at the factory.

• Catch the best-selling flavors: "Shredded Pork with Chili Paste" and "Grain Topping," a perfect blend of the sweet and crispy rice cracker and the salty and savory topping.

• In addition to rice crackers, the group also offers other processed products from village members, such as fermented fish, hand-woven fabrics, and basketry, directly distributing income to other households in Khok Sawang.

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Admission Fees:

• Free of charge. Visitors are welcome to browse the product displays and shop for local snacks at their leisure.

Opening Hours:

• Open every day, Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.