It is much more than ‘agro-tourism’ but visited by students, scholars and farmers. The aim is to provide anyone who is interested in understanding sustainable agriculture best practice and seeing it in operation.
People living in the area also benefit from employment, better communication, electricity and water resources. Since the establishment of the Project in 2010, His Majesty has visited the project constantly to monitor its progress and last attended in December 2013.
Our host at Chang Hua Mun was Ms Saiturn Hintong or Khun Joy as she is better known. Her role is about public relations and she proudly wears the Royal Insignia on her uniform. She is one of about 80-90 workers at the Project. She told us that there are around 26,000 visitors each month with about 10% being foreign residents or visitors. Of course Members of the Royal Family are the most eagerly anticipated visitors and every Wednesday fresh produce is taken to the Royal Palace.
It’s fair to say that attracting Thai people has priority with only a minimal amount of English language information on hand. However, perhaps with a Thai friend along for the ride, it is a user friendly destination for all visitors. There are both bicycles and open motorised transport for farm tours available and a Thai restaurant to satisfy any hunger urges.