A group of 56 Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations with offices in Thailand recently visited the Royally Initiated Projects in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provinces, led by Mr. Navin Boonsear, Secretary to the Foreign Minister, and H.E. Mr. Chakarin Chayabongse Director-General for Protocol. The visit, between  8-11 February 2013,  to promote awareness of Royally Initiated Projects among the international community, especially the diplomat corps.

On their first day, the dignitaries visited the first royal factory in Fang District. They were welcomed by Khunying Prajit Kambhu Na Ayudhaya, President of Doi Kham Food Company Limited, who briefed the group on the history, philosophy and development of the factory. The group then visited the Public Health Center, established by the His Majesty the King in 1972, and the hydroelectric plant, which served as the main power source for the royal food factory and nearby villages.These are examples of the King’s vision to promote sustainable social, economic and environmental developments and improve the quality of lives of people in the village, thereby eliminating narcotic crops’ production.

On the second day, the group visited the Royal Agricultural Station, where H.S.H. Prince Bhisadej Rajani, President of the Royal Project, gave a briefing on the royal projects. The group also visited the strawberry fields at Baan Nor Lae. In the afternoon, the participants traveled to Chiang Rai province and visited the Cottage Industries Centre and Outlet of the Doi Tung Development Project, where they saw demonstrations on handicrafts, weaving and sewing.

On the last day, the group visited Doi Tung Royal Villa, a former residence of the Princess Mother, HRH Princess Srinagarindra, and  the Hall of Inspiration, where M.R. Disnadda Diskul, Chairman of the Doi Tung Development Project, gave a briefing on the Project.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the vision of His Majesty the King and the Princess Mother which had been translated into these valuable development projects. Many Ambassadors expressed the view that these development initiatives, which emphasized sustainable development, could be applied in their countries.They thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in organizing the study visit and  asked the Ministry to  continue arrange such a study visit as a way to promote interactions between Thailand Governmental agencies with the Diplomatic corps and  educational activities for the diplomatic missions in Thailand.