On July 21, 1976 the SUPPORT Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was officially established to promote local arts and crafts which would assist in supplementing income for the underprivileged families. On regular regional visits, Her Majesty would meet with villagers to informally chat and listen to their opinions and problems, while inspecting their latest handiworks and meet with new talents, who would later be sent to train in Bangkok. With encouragement, the villagers were excited and willing to cultivate higher skills in handling more intricate designs, from weaving to Yan Lipao Basketry and complicated wooden carvings.
In 1979, the SUPPORT Training Center at Chitralada Villa of Dusit Palace in Bangkok was founded. Leading artisans in traditional fields further train skills in various traditional arts and crafts to selected students from villages, who would later return to impart their knowledge to their own communities.
Her Majesty the Queen also encouraged restoration and maintenance of traditional arts in each region, especially those that are regarded as national heritage. Therefore, the SUPPORT Training Center also act as the preservation center of ancient arts which were in danger of extinction.
The works of the SUPPORT Foundation continue to be more outstanding at each exhibition. They are exquisite national heritage works of art and pride of the nation which are now also enjoying worldwide acclaim.