Bangkok, 27 December, 2016 – As part of the strategy to offer unique Thai local experiences and to introduce visitors to the ‘Sufficiency Economy’ philosophy of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently arranged a familiarisation trip for 20 members of the media from nine Asian countries to Phetchaburi and Prachuap Kiri Khan (Hua Hin) to explore the charming way of life of these popular coastal provinces.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT said, “While Thailand is a thriving modern nation that offers all the luxury and comforts of the 21st century, it’s the unique Thai traditions and attractions that are often most memorable for visitors.
“In Thailand, travellers are able to have a great travelling journey across the country by joining in traditional Thai practices or exploring some of the late King Rama IX’s legacy via the Royal Projects. Thailand’s culture, old and new, is waiting to be discovered by people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Heading south two hours from Bangkok, this Amazing Thailand Amazing Experience offers travellers a chance to experience the local way of life and learn how the rural Thai people have adapted King Rama IX’s ‘Sufficiency Economy’ philosophy into their lives and in doing so enhanced their livelihood.
Visitors get to see activities; such as, agriculture, rearing cattle and the making of local products.
At the Phetchaburi’s Hoob Krapong Learning Centre, which is the first model cooperative village in Thailand to promote the self-sufficiency ideals of the late King.
Media participants learned how villagers worked together to ensure the community thrives and produces enough food for use and to sell by using innovative farming techniques. They also learned how locals employ a well-known economic crop, asparagus, to earn a living.
They also visited the Chang Hua Man Royal Project, which experiments with crops and soil types to improve Thai crop yields nationwide.
On their return, they explored some of Hua Hin’s modern shopping opportunities by visiting the New Blueport Hua Hin Resort Mall. The evening was spent shopping for Thai souvenirs in Hua Hin’s bustling night market.
A highlight of the local way of life is the group’s visit at a sugar palm plantation in Ban Tham Rong in Phetchaburi. The fam trip learned about the community’s wisdom about the benefits of sugar palm trees; such as, producing traditional Thai sugar as well as baking a palm cake like the locals.
The group then headed back to Bangkok where they were taught how to make herbal compresses used in Thai wellness at the Harnn Luxury Spa at CentralWorld.
“There are so many unique traditions and customs in every district of Thailand, and these can now be explored by visitors. We invite the world to experience unique local traditions and hospitality and another side of our nation,” said Mr. Yuthasak.
