REPORT - BALI - PATA TRAVEL MART: Nine unique projects initiated by His Majesty the King and members of the Thai Royal Family over many years are now being marketed as part of the celebrations marking the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King this year.

Going well beyond being merely tourist attractions, the projects have been selected because they make a significant contribution to poverty-alleviation, sustainable development, preservation of culture and job creation, especially for the physically disabled, all at the same time.

They include everything from crop-substitution projects that have helped hilltribe farmers cut back on growing opium, to an elephant conservatory where foreign visitors can learn to become mahouts, and an arts and crafts training centre where dozens of people with disabilities are gainfully employed in creating masterpiece paintings.

They are being packaged and promoted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Tourism Council of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani said, All of these projects reflect the best of Thailand. Visitors will find them a unique experience because they show that tourism does not always have to be driven by commercial considerations in order to have an impact.

Located in different parts of the Kingdom, the projects are in line with His Majesty’s self-sufficiency philosophy that poverty can best be eradicated through improved health, steady income through honest work, and knowledge and understanding through education.

As TAT stated, it is important for visitors from all over the world to know and better understand what His Majesty has done because the philosophy and policy has a universal value. The projects also include others initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Her Royal Highness the (late) Princess Mother, and other members of the Royal Family.Last year, the United Nations recognized His Majesty’s life-long efforts with a first-of-its-kind award for outstanding dedication and achievements in human development.

The projects are:

• Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang (CHIANGMAI)



• Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park and Hall of Opium (CHIANG RAI)



• Doi Tung Development Project, Royal Initiative Project of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother under supervision of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation (Chiang Rai)



• The THAI Elephant Conservation Centre (LAMPANG)



• Ban Kut Na Kham Arts and Crafts Centre (SAKON NAKHON)



• Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre (AYUTTHAYA)



• College in the Court (NAKHON PATHOM)



• Wat Yansangwararam (CHONBURI)



• Mrigadayavan Palace (PHETCHABURI)