On 19-21 February 2016, Mr. Apichart Chinwanno, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led 50 members of the Diplomatic Corps in Thailand, comprising Ambassadors, Charge d’Affaires and their spouses from 33 countries to visit the royal-initiated projects in Lamphun and Chiang Mai Provinces.

In Lamphun, the diplomats and their spouses visited the Mae Ao River Basin Area Development Project. This project is of His Majesty’s initiative to develop and preserve the diverse natural resources and environment whilst maintaining harmony in the ecosystem, which would lead to land appropriation for living and agricultural purposes for local people as well as access to water, thereby creating a self-sufficient and sustainable community. The trip to Lamphun also included an exhibition of “Longan”, a main product of Lamphun province,as well as a visit to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Lamphun’s prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site. The delegation were fascinated by weaving demonstration and the unique design of Lamphun “Yok Dok” silks at the Hariphunchai Institute of Hand-Woven Textile. “Kad Mua”, a traditional northern style luncheon at the Institute also gave them a glimpse of Lanna civilization.

In Chiang Mai, the diplomats and their spouses visited the Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research Center at Khun Wang District. The Centre was initiated as an experimental station for highland agricultural research and to propagate highland crops such as coffee, temperate vegetables, fruits and floral crops.  A visit to the Maejo Natural Farming Research and Development Center was a showcase project of advanced agricultural research and innovation on the vermicomposting process, i.e. the use of earthworms in making high quality compost and organic fertilizers. This method can be used as a substitution for the traditional chemical agricultural way in managing organic waste.

During the two days visit, the diplomats and their spouses gained more understanding of His Majesty the King’s initiative regarding water and land management that fosters sustainable development as well as preservation of natural resources and the environment. They also appreciated the role of His Majesty the King in promoting agricultural research and innovations that local farmers can apply in their daily lives. Furthermore, they experienced Thai art, culture and history, including the simple Thai way of life enriched with ancient Lanna civilization that   has been beautifully preserved till today. 

The Diplomatic Corps trip is organized annually by the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prmote mutual understanding and strengthen the relationship between the Ministry and the members of the Diplomatic Corps in Thailand, as well as foster closer ties among the diplomatic members themselves in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. It also presents a good opportunity for them to learn more about Thailand’s potential in various dimensions, including the practice of the Philosophy of Self-Sufficiency Economy in reaching the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in the year 2030, as well as the promotion of Thailand’s role as Chair of the Group of 77 (G77) in 2016.