Stepped up marketing for Thai royal initiative discovery projects

Going well beyond being merely tourist attractions, the projects have been selected because they make a significant contribution to poverty-alleviation, sustainable development, preservation of culture and job creation, especially for the physically disabled, all at the same time.

They include everything from crop-substitution projects that have helped hilltribe farmers cut back on growing opium, to an elephant conservatory where foreign visitors can learn to become mahouts, and an arts and crafts training center where dozens of people with disabilities are gainfully employed in creating masterpiece paintings.

A full list of these projects is posted on the Web site: www.thairoyalprojects.com. They are being packaged and promoted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Tourism Council of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani said, "All of these projects reflect the best of Thailand. Visitors will find them a unique experience because they show that tourism does not always have to be driven by commercial considerations in order to have an impact."

Located in different parts of the Kingdom, the projects are in line with His Majesty's self-sufficiency philosophy that poverty can best be eradicated through improved health, steady income through honest work, and knowledge and understanding through education.

Last year, the United Nations recognized His Majesty's life-long efforts with a first-of-its-kind award for outstanding dedication and achievements in human development.

H.E. Dr. Suvit said, "These projects have changed the lives of both those who were meant to be helped as well as those who helped make them possible."

They are in line with the new tourism policy of the Royal Thai Government to focus more on quality tourism and move away from mass tourism. The policy is designed to focus more on yield and expenditure per visitor rather than headcount.

H.E. Dr. Suvit said the policy will also allow TAT to re-invent its marketing priorities and create a better balance between development and marketing.

He added, "Last year was a very special year for Thailand, when we commemorated His Majesty's 60th year of Accession, making him the world's longest reigning monarch.

"This year will mark yet another milestone in His Majesty's life — his 80th birthday. It is important for visitors from all over the world to know and better understand what His Majesty has done because the philosophy and policy has a universal value."

The projects also include others initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Her Royal Highness the (late) Princess Mother, and other members of the Royal Family. A full list and a short description of each project follow below:

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