Her Majesty the Queen has learned from these visits that the majority of her subjects who are farmers find it difficult to subsist on farm incomes alone. While His Majesty the King has launched several agricultural projects to relieve their hardships, Her Majesty the Queen has sought extra income-generating occupations to supplement their basic earnings. The Queen has come to the conclusion that most Thai people are dexterous, industrious and meticulous. Each region, moreover, has its own indigenous raw materials and cottage industry. If these indigenous handicrafts can be promoted and their utility emphasized, the rural poor will have additional occupations and incomes. With this in mind, wherever she travels, the Queen pays special attention to indigenous cottage industries and crafts, and gives appropriate support to all kinds of regional projects.
Her Majesty’s craft promotion activities have encompassed most of the country’s regions, starting with Hup Kaphong village in the central province of Phetchaburi. At this village, a project was launched by the Queen to encourage its womenfolk to make all kinds of accessories, such as handbags, hats, sandals and mats out of jute, and palm leaves. At the self-help community of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the Queen initiated an artificial flower-making project, using remnants of cotton, silk and other fabrics. She also sent expert weavers to teach cotton weaving at Ayutthaya and revived the making of traditional clay dolls, known as “chao wang” dolls or “palace” dolls, at Tambon Bang Sadet, Ang Thong Province.