December and January are great months to visit Bangkok. The temperature is cooler, and the line-up of holidays and festivals observed during this time means that theres always something to do and see. And if you observe New Years Day in the Thai fashion, then youll probably be on the lookout for special gifts for your family members, friends and loved ones during this time of year. For those still looking for the perfect gifts for this New Years season, we recommend checking out Thailands Royal Projects. Founded in 1969 by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Royal Project Foundation offers a fitting way to pay tribute to the late King whilst contributing to a good cause at the same time.
What Are Thailands Royal Projects?
The Royal Projects were organised by King Bhumibol to address some of the most important issues facing Thailand during his reign “ problems such as poverty, deforestation and drug trafficking. These village- and community-based projects were designed to expand upon the Kings concept of a sufficiency economy, in which small communities could become more sustainable by investing their energy into local projects that benefited local villages and the environment. Heres a good example of how the Royal Projects work. In some cases, a lucrative agricultural product is found to replace a less sustainable or even illegal one. The Royal Projects were what led to the planting of coffee in Northern Thailands hill tribe communities “ where opium had previously been grown. By conducting research, developing resources and subsidising the cost of switching to coffee, the Royal Projects made it easier for hill tribe farmers to produce a lucrative crop they could also take pride in.
How to Support the Royal Projects in Thailand
When you purchase a gift that has been created through one of Thailands Royal Projects, youre directly lending your support to the villages that create them. In that sense, these are gifts that keep on giving. There are two ways to support the royal projects. One is by visiting one of the locations and making a purchase in the gift shop. The other is by visiting one of the Royal Project shops located in Bangkok. The most conveniently located Royal Projects shop is located in Central World, or you could visit the Royal Project shop at Suvarnabhumi Airport before leaving Bangkok. There are upwards of 4,000 Royal Projects established across Thailand. Here are some of the most famous:
- Doi Kham Royal Project “ Located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, this project produces fruits, vegetables and herbs. Youll even find Doi Kham fruit juice for sale in local convenience stores.
- Doi Tung Development Project “ Developed under the guidance of the Queen Mother, Doi Tung is part of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation and is famous for coffee, dragon fruit and other agricultural products.
- Chang Hua Man Royal Project “ Established in 2009, this is one of the youngest Royal Projects. Its located close to Bangkok and supports sustainable farming practices. It includes a working dairy farm.
You can learn more about Thailands Royal Projects from the TAT website. And if youd like to purchase a gift through the Royal Projects, feel free to ask the front-desk staff at your hotel for recommendations on where to shop.
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