Bangkok, 18 March, 2014
–The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting local and
international visitors, as well as parents who are looking for
interesting and educational activities for their children during the
summer holidays, to visit the “Chang Hua Man Royal Project” in the
province of Phetchaburi.
Initiated
by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej back in 2010, the Chang Hua Man
Royal Project originally consisted of a 250-rai plot of land that
demonstrated how economically viable crops can be grown without the need
for chemical fertilisers. Later on, a dairy farm was established with
fields to raise cows. This was done to encourage the local farmers to
expand into dairy farming. The Royal Project is aimed at improving the
lives of farmers in Phetchaburi and other nearby provinces.
Mr.
Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor, said, “Thanks to the contribution of
His Majesty the King, this plot of land not only serves as a vital
learning centre for farmers in the area, but has also become an
attraction in its own right with people coming here from all over the
country to enjoy a slice of rural life. In fact, it is one of the most
visited attractions in Phetchaburi province.
“As
well as simply enjoying the pleasant country atmosphere and taking part
in fun activities on the farm, visitors will also learn about how His
Majesty the King has devoted his time and efforts to help improve the
quality of life of Thai farmers. This is why the farm offers an
educational and inspirational day out for everybody.”
So
a day touring the Chang Hua Man Royal project can be a very instructive
excursion where everyone, young and old, can learn about the
traditional life of Thai farmers over the years, as well as a little
about organic farming and some of the many fruits that are grown in the
kingdom; such as, bananas, papaya, pineapple and dragon fruit. There is
also a demonstration on how green energy can be created by harnessing
wind power.
Visitors
are free to roam all over the farming area and are even encouraged to
pull on some wellington boots and get their hands dirty with some real
crop planting or gathering in the rice paddies. This is a great summer
holiday experience, especially for city kids who so often lose touch
with where their food comes from and how it is grown.
The
best way to get the most out of the project is to take the guided tour
and then walk, or cycle to other points of interest. Within the 250-rai
are rice paddies, fruit orchards and a demonstration barn. And, at the
time of writing, there were 29 cows including nine Holstein Friesians
which are milked on the farm, as well as 10 pregnant cows and 10 young
calves.
The
farm is in quite a hilly region of Phetchaburi province and so
perfectly located to harness the power of the wind. There is a
demonstration of wind power where people can learn about this clean form
of energy. Also on the farm is a small, two-storey villa, where His
Majesty the King is said to stay when inspecting the project. Of course,
visitors will want to take home some of the farm’s products for
themselves, so there is a Golden Place shop where they can by fresh
fruits, dairy products and even rare breeds of local flowers.
The
Chang Hua Man Royal Project is located at Ban Nung Ko Kai, Khao Krapuk,
Tha Yang, Phetchaburi, approximately a one-hour drive from Hua Hin. The
entrance fee is 20 Baht per person.
