Tai Zun An

Before becoming a famous tourist destination and popular beach escape, Phuket was once a tin-mining town where blacksmiths played a crucial role in providing mine workers with essential equipment. Over a century ago, more than 20 blacksmiths flocked to Dibuk Road–“dibuk” is Thai for “tin”–central Phuket to set up their businesses. Today, what was once a small but thriving industrial sector has become a historic quarter, where the blacksmith shops have been transformed into cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Just one has retained its original quarters and “smithies” on: Tai Zun An.

To the surprise of some visitors to Dibuk Road, Tai Zun An bangs and clashes to the roar of red-hot flames dancing in charcoal forges as in times past amid the trendy cafes and restaurants. At the helm of the long-running family business is Manun Lohlohakarn, or Uncle Po, who is now in his 70s and still does things the old ways–by hand.

Like other blacksmiths in this area, mine workers used to be Uncle Po’s clients, but now he makes gardening and household tools such as knives, shovels, machetes, axes, hammers and tongs. He also does made-to-order products under the brand Dab (it means “sword” in Thai). A handful of other blacksmith shops that survived from the old days, but Tai Zun An is the only one still in its original spot, right in erstwhile “blacksmith central.”

You can visit Tai Zun An and watch the traditional blacksmith’s work in action–even test your own strength by lending Uncle Po a hand while he’s at work. A visit can be arranged via the Old Phuket Town Community.