On 6 August 2024, the second day of the study visit on ‘The Charm of Isaan: Transforming Local Wisdom into Creative Economy’, members of the diplomatic corps and foreign media in Thailand explored how the local tea culture applies local wisdom and heritage to address common ailments. They also visited Donkoi Sustainable Village under the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

In the morning, the delegation attended a workshop on “Isaan’s Burgeoning Tea Culture” led by Chef Joe (Worawut Triyasenawat), co-owner of Samuay & Sons”, an Isaan fine-dining restaurant and Bib Gourmand awardee in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 & 2024. Chef Joe shared his inspirations, his vision for enhancing local and seasonal produce to highlight the value of Isaan cuisine and make it accessible for everyone, as well as the challenges and opportunities for food entrepreneurs in the Isaan region. Participants also experimented with making infusions from local Isaan herbs with medicinal properties.

Later, the delegation visited Ban Donkoi Sustainable Village, where Mr. Chusak Rooying, Governor of Nakhon Phanom, gave welcome remarks and shared his insights on how to promote and develop indigo-dyed products that are now unique to Sakon Nakhon province and generate income for local communities. Donkoi has become a model community for sustainable living under the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, who prioritizes people-centered development as a basis for sustainable growth for the community.Mrs. Thavil Oupparee, leader of the Donkoi Indigo Dyeing and Weaving Group, then spoke about the history of the group, which was originally initiated by a small group of local women in Donkoi village in 2003, and expressed her gratitude to the generosity of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Her Royal Highness visited the village, donated looms to the group, as well as offered her designs for indigo products and advice on creative product design. Donkoi village is now part of the “Have Fun Wearing Thai Fabrics” (Pha Thai Sai Hai Sanook) Royal Initiative, which promotes new patterns and modern designs of traditional Thai fabric that appeal to all audiences. After the briefing, the delegation learned about the process of dyeing with indigo and other natural colourants, as well as new ways to promote the group’s products, such as via Facebook Live.