The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) identified four model communities under the ‘Follow the King’s Wisdom for Sustainable Tourism’ project in remembrance of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “The project formed part of TAT’s marketing plan under the ‘Local Experience’ concept. It aims at adding value to tourist’s itineraries by offering local experiences in these communities’ living under the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s philosophy of Sufficiency Economy.”
The four model communities are Bang Pong Huai Lan, Chiang Mai; Chanthaboon Riverside Community, Chanthaburi; Ban Nong San, Sakon Nakhon and the communities around Nong Yai Royal Development Project, Chumphon. These communities were selected based on their implementation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s philosophy of combining natural, cultural and learning activities on a community tourism route.
Bang Pong Huai Lan in Chiang Mai offers visitors an oral history of how the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s wisdom turned arid farms into fertile land; learn traditional weaving; rice basket weaving; hear community folk tales while enjoying local Khi Maeo dessert and herbal water. The village can accommodate six home-stays for up to 30 people.
At Chanthaboon Riverside Community, visitors can learn of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s wisdom on flood prevention and water reservation at Pakdee Rampai Canal Royal Project. Community history is on display at ‘House 69’ (community’s learning centre) while a gem market visit offers chance to polish gems at ‘House 119’. Not to be missed: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and stay at the 12-room Baan Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn.
There are three home-stays at Ban Nong San, where visits begin at the Phu Phan Royal Development Study Center to learn the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. Then tour village on local Isan ‘Itak’ vehicle. On route, learn integrated agriculture concepts; create indigo cloth at the Indigo Cloth Conservation Group. Must visit: Nam Pung Dam that generates electricity, prevents flood and irrigates agriculture in Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom.
Many communities around Nong Yai Royal Development Project in Chumphon benefit from flood prevention initiatives under the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Agriculture Learning Center which covers over 200 acres of paddy and vegetable fields, fruit and other orchards.
