The Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre
The Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre, a royally-initiated model of sustainable alternative development and the first of six Royal Study Centres to be established, is a ‘Living Museum’ that reflects His Majesty’s vision, wisdom and insight and His Majesty’s theories are put into action.
The project has transformed a formerly dry, barren drought-stricken land into a ‘green zone’. The success of various pioneering royally-sponsored research and development initiatives in agricultural development introduced at Khao Hin Sorn became the blueprint for other subsequent Royal Development Projects. The Study Centre was founded on August 8, 1979 in Chachoengsao Province.
This area was formerly affected by forest encroachment, cultivation of corn and cassava, and erosion of topsoil caused by water and wind, all of which led to soil degradation. The Centre focuses on studying the restoration of soil fertility by means of land and water sources development, forest rehabilitation as well as promotion of agricultural knowledge on the planning of crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Most of the crops are grown without the use of chemical fertilisers.
At Khao Hin Sorn, HM King Bhumibol personally introduced several important initiatives to help villagers achieve sustainable, economic self-sufficiency, and personally supervised experiments in the implementation of ‘New Theory’ Farming or Integrated Farming. This reduces risks related to agricultural production; increases the food security of individual families; increases options and choices available to the farmer; and reduces dependency on middlemen.
Tour Highlights
• Multimedia presentation
• Community Development: Vocational training,
• Agricultural Cooperatives
• Fisheries
• Agriculture/Agricultural Development/
• Agricultural Extension
• Phra Ram Pavilion
• Vetiver grass
• Ornamental plants
• Economic crops/plants
• Organic farming/Sustainable agriculture
• Kitchen garden
• Livestock
• Soil Rehabilitation
• ‘New Theory Farming’
• Botanical Gardens
• Herb Gardens
Visitors first view a multimedia presentation, in Thai or English, concerning the Study Centre’s objectives and goals, activities and achievements, and then board a quiet, open-sided electric trolley bus to tour the property. The route winds through the diverse landscape. Commentary is provided in Thai or English.
The tour can take an hour, though it is possible to make more stops and spend longer. It is advisable to inform the Centre beforehand of areas that are of interest to you, and if English-speaking guides are required, so special arrangements may be made in advance.
Cottage industries
Cottage industries comprise an important way for farmers to earn supplementary income between harvests. The Study Centre offers vocational training programmes to help villagers develop various skills. As part of the tour, visitors are shown demonstrations in textile-weaving and hand-crafted products made from bamboo.
Herb Garden
Herbs are one way in which the urban public is appreciating ancient rural wisdom.
While strolling along the shady, aromatic trails lacing the botanical garden, a bouquet of even stronger scents emanate from the herbal sauna, which has separate facilities for male and female visitors. Many visitors make this their last, revitalising stop. Refreshed by the herbal steam, visitors then sip a special herbal tonic.
Herbal products are among goods sold in the shop, which also include basketry and handwoven textiles. These further establish the Study Centre’s stature through the Khao Hin Sorn brand name. It’s worth visiting the shop early, because newly-picked mushrooms and other fresh produce sell out fast.
Accommodation, food and English speaking guides are available for visitors but bookings are required well in advance. The Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre provides 8 rooms of three-bedroom which accommodate 24 visitors and 1 lodge which accommodate 80 visitors.
The Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 0800-1630 hrs. The demonstration sites for various types of plants are open for visits by farmers, students and interested people. Group of visitors require the official touring guides; please inform the center in advance.