Most classical Thai art originated in or under the patronage of the royal courts. The Krom Chang Sip Mu (Organization of the Ten Crafts: drawing, sculpting, carving, engraving, molding, turning, modeling, lacquering, metal beating, and plastering.) was created in an attempt to provide general training to Thai craftsmen, particularly those who worked in the palaces.

The creators were known as "chang", which roughly means craftsmen. A large body of changs evolved, passing their specialized skills down from master to apprentice. Although they are modernized to an extent by improved technology, contemporary Thai arts and crafts are still very much inspired by tradition.