Community Foreign Diplomats & Spouses Explore Royal Projects & Local Heritage in Sakon Nakhon

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A delegation of foreign ambassadors and consuls general accredited to Thailand, along with their spouses, visited Sakon Nakhon province as part of a cultural and educational tour led by the Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The tour aimed to deepen understanding of Thailand’s royal development initiatives and to showcase the unique identity and economic potential of the northeastern province.

 

Led by Dr Lallivan Kanchanacharee, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, the group, comprising representatives from 33 countries, ministry officials and members of the local and international press, were warmly welcomed at Sakon Nakhon Airport by Vice-Governor Weerarat Theeramit and local dignitaries. Guests received traditional greetings, including a handcrafted “pha khao ma” garland and a vibrant cultural performance by ethnic communities from Sakon Nakhon.

 

The first stop was the Phu Phan Royal Development Study Centre in Huai Yang Subdistrict, a model site for sustainable agricultural development based on the principles of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Governor Chusak Ruaying, President of the Sakon Nakhon Red Cross Chapter Chutima Ruaying, and other senior officials from the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board (ORDPB) accompanied the visitors through exhibits and demonstration areas.

Activities included the making of Herbarium Oil, the crafting of traditional herbal inhalers and participation in a local rice-planting technique using indigenous seed varieties. Delegates also sampled ice cream and lemon tea made from the rare black jasmine rice variety RD 83, developed in nearby Nong Khai. They attended a talk on livestock breeding under royal guidance and viewed the “Four Black Wonders +1” exhibition, which included Phu Phan black cattle, black chickens, black rabbits, black pigs, rusa deer and black goats. Various processed products, including velvet antler supplements and premium meats, were also displayed.

 

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Don Koi Indigo-Dyeing Learning Centre in Sawang Subdistrict, Phanna Nikhom District. Known as “Don Koi Wittayalai: A Path to Sustainable Development”, this community project follows the sustainable fashion philosophy championed by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

 

The diplomats were welcomed by Mr Siam Sirimongkol, Director-General of the Department of Community Development and other local leaders. Experts including Asst. Prof. Anucha Theerakarnon, Director of SACIT, and project advisors demonstrated traditional indigo-dyeing techniques, from binding and dyeing to weaving. The Don Koi community, renowned for its all-household participation in indigo textile production since 2003, now supports over 10,000 baht in average monthly income per household, a remarkable rise from just 700 baht two decades ago.

 

This visit not only promoted cross-cultural understanding and strengthened international goodwill, but also spotlighted the royal initiatives and cultural identity of Sakon Nakhon on the global stage. Moreover, it served as a powerful example of how community-based enterprises, guided by royal principles, can foster sustainable development and generate income for local people.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that such initiatives remain integral to Thailand’s soft diplomacy, nurturing long-term international partnerships through shared appreciation of heritage, sustainability and grassroots innovation.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-29