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As October begins, it is a time of remembrance for the tragic events that occurred last year. Government buildings lower their flags to half-mast, websites dim their colors, and some even turn to black and white. On social media, people change their profile pictures to express their condolences. Everywhere you look, people are dressed in black and white. Even though a year has passed since the devastating incident of 2015, the memory of that sorrowful day remains etched in the hearts of many Thais.

Today, Pan has compiled information on 9 projects initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. These projects not only benefit the public in various ways, but are also designated as tourist attractions, providing opportunities for tourists to experience and learn about nature in depth.

Let's start with the first one: 1. Khlong Lat Pho, Samut Prakan.


The Chao Phraya River and Flood Control in Bangkok and Samut Prakan

The Chao Phraya River flows through the lowlands of Bangkok and Samut Prakan, making these areas susceptible to flooding during the rainy season. The heavy rainfall causes a large volume of water to accumulate in the Gulf of Thailand, leading to overflows. To mitigate this issue, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) initiated the construction of floodgates.

Recommended Activities:

  • Capture stunning photos of the Industrial Ring Road.
  • Explore the Industrial Ring Road Project Museum.
  • Cycle around the charming Bang Krachao community.
  • Relax and enjoy the sunset by the Chao Phraya River.

Opening Hours:

  • Daily
  • 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Contact Information:

  • Address: Moo 9, Song Khanong Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province
  • Phone Number: 096 990 6134

Transportation

By car: From Suk Sawat Road, turn onto the Industrial Ring Road. Stay left and do not take the Bhumibol Bridge. Continue straight onto Phet Kasem Road, Phra Pradaeng.

Public transportation: Take bus number 82, 6, or 138 and get off at Phra Pradaeng Pier. Then, take a motorcycle taxi to Suan Sukha Phap Lat Pho.

2. Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, Nakhon Nayok

Following the royal initiative of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 4, 1993, the Khlong Tha Dan Dam was constructed to provide water for consumption, flood prevention, and agricultural purposes.

Recommended Activities
• Take photos with stunning views
• Whitewater rafting on the Nakhon Nayok River
• Relaxing boat ride around the reservoir
• Visit the Khun Dan Prakan Chon Museum

Opening Days: Daily
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 17:00

Contact Information
Moo 2, Ban Tha Dan, Hin Tang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Nayok Province
Tel: +66 3738 4334, +66 3738 4208-9

Directions
By car: You can take the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road (Highway 305) or the old road, Suwannasorn Road (Highway 33), which is a longer route. Once you reach Nakhon Nayok town, follow the same route as to Nang Rong Waterfall (Highway 3049), passing Wang Takrai Park and turn right onto the road leading to the dam.

Public transportation:

  • From Victory Monument, take the minivan to Krung Thep - Khun Dan Dam.
  • From Rangsit, take the minivan to Ongkharak - Khun Dan Dam at the Future Park Rangsit underpass. The van will end at the Khun Dan Dam. Tell the driver to drop you off at the temple and ask for their business card. When you return or want to continue to Khun Dan Dam, call them.

3. Sirinat National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Previously, this area was a shrimp farm. However, due to the kindness of King Rama IX and the Queen, who saw that the forest area in this region had disappeared and become a shrimp farm, the Royal Forest Department revoked the shrimp farm concession that year. This area was then incorporated into the Pak Nam Pranburi Forest Development Project under the Royal Initiative and designated as an area for the Permanent Forest Planting Project.

Recommended Activities:

  • Explore the mangrove forest on a nature walk, following the footsteps of the royal visit.
  • Capture stunning views from the Chakram Tower.
  • Visit the museum to learn about the fascinating world of mangroves.

Opening Hours:

  • Days: Daily
  • Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Contact Information

Address: Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Phone: 0-3263-2255, 08-6607-7712

Transportation

By car: From Hua Hin city, take Phetkasem Road and pass the entrance to Khao Tao Village. Turn left at the entrance to Pran Buri Forest Park. After crossing the railway, turn right to Pak Nam Pran. There will be signs along the way.

Public transportation: You can take a van or train to Pran Buri and then hire a songthaew to get there. Alternatively, you can ride a motorbike in the morning.

4. Amphawa Chaipattana Conservation Project, Samut Songkhram

This serves as a learning center for local wisdom and the way of life in Amphawa in terms of agriculture. It promotes itself as a platform for exchanging knowledge in agriculture among farmers, gardeners, academics, and those interested.

Recommended Activities
• Coconut sugar demonstration 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
• Free coconut leaf weaving workshop every Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
• Visit the demonstration plots.
• Stroll through the Amphawa Floating Market.

Opening Days: Every day
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Contact Information

185-191 Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand

Phone: 0-3475-2245

Getting There

By Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) through Mahachai-Nageleua intersection. Continue until kilometer 63, where you will find a junction leading to Samut Songkhram city center.

Public Transportation:

  • Vans: Vans are available from three locations: Victory Monument, Bang Phra Kaew, and Central Rama 2. Disembark at Mae Klong Market and take a songthaew (shared taxi) to reach the destination.

5. Weighing the Value of Cassava Project, Phetchaburi (Following the Royal Initiative)

The project's origin stems from an incident where villagers presented sweet potatoes as an offering to King Rama IX. The King placed the sweet potatoes on a scale. Upon his return a month later, he discovered that the sweet potatoes had sprouted. He remarked, "Wherever the sweet potato is, it will sprout." This observation inspired the creation of the project.

Recommended Activities:

  • Take a tram tour of the entire farm.
  • Cycle around the project.
  • Take photos at scenic spots.

Opening Hours:

  • Days: Every day
  • Time: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Contact Information

Address: Moo 5, Khao Kapuk Subdistrict, Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province

Phone Number: 0-3247-2700-1

Directions

By Car: From Tha Yang District, pass the Phetchaburi Water Delivery and Maintenance Project. Follow the route to Tha Mai Ruak Subdistrict, passing the Khao Kapuk-Khao Tao Mo Wildlife Sanctuary office, Ban Thung Pong School, and the Royal Initiative Weighing Project. The total distance is approximately 47 kilometers.

Public transportation: Take a van from Victory Monument to Phetchaburi. Get off at Phetchaburi and take a songthaew to Khao Luk Chang, which will pass the Chang Hua Man Project. You can ask the driver for directions.

6. Khao Hin Son Development Study Center, Chachoengsao

Years ago, "Khao Hin Son" was in a state of disrepair and suffered from severe drought. However, thanks to the ingenuity of King Rama IX, land development flourished, transforming the barren landscape into a lush and verdant forest teeming with diverse plant life.

Recommended Activities

  • Explore the botanical garden.
  • Enjoy herbal steam therapy.
  • Take a tram tour around the center.
  • Visit the demonstration farm plots.
  • Relax by the reservoir and enjoy the cool breeze.

Opening Hours:

Days: Saturday - Sunday

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Contact Information

Address: Khao Hin Son Subdistrict, Phanom Sarakham District, Chachoengsao 24120

Phone Number: 038 599 117

Directions

By Car: From Bangkok, drive towards Chachoengsao city. Turn onto Highway 304 towards Kabin Buri. Before reaching Prachin Buri at Sri Maha Photh District, the Khao Hin Son Development Study Center will be on the right-hand side. Make a U-turn to enter the center.

Public transportation: Take a bus, van, or train to Chachoengsao city and then take a songthaew (shared taxi) to the park. The distance from the city is approximately 50 kilometers.

7. Pasak Chonlasit Dam, Lopburi

The Pasak Chonlasit Dam is the longest clay core dam in Thailand, stretching 4,860 meters. Constructed as part of the Pasak River Basin Development Project, its primary purpose is to mitigate flooding during the rainy season and alleviate water scarcity during the dry season.

Pasak Chonlasit Dam Activities

Recommended Activities:

  • Enjoy panoramic views from the Pasak Chonlasit Dam Museum ridge.
  • Take a tram ride along the dam ridge.
  • Ascend the King Rama IX Tower for breathtaking views of Lopburi city.
  • Explore the Pasak Chonlasit Dam Museum.
  • Pay respects to Luang Pu Yai Pasak.

Opening Hours: Daily

Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Contact Information:

Baan Kaeng Seua Ten, Nong Bua Subdistrict, Phatthana Nikhom District, Lopburi Province

Phone: 0 3642 2768-9, 0 3642 4089

Directions:

By Car: From Lopburi city, take Highway 3017 (Lopburi-Khok Tum-Phatthana Nikhom) for approximately 48 kilometers.

Public Transportation:

A public transportation option is available in the form of shared taxis ("songthaews") that travel between Lopburi and Wang Muang, passing by the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam. These taxis depart from the Lopburi Bus Terminal between 6:00 AM and 5:30 PM.

Special train service to and from Bangkok - Pa Sak Cholasit Dam on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

8. Pa Siri Charoen Wan Project, Chonburi

The project aims to restore degraded forest areas to their original state by planting trees according to the royal initiative. This involves planting fast-growing trees for various uses, including animal feed, food, and economic value. Additionally, the project focuses on soil and water conservation. Since its inception in 1992, approximately 580 rai of land have been reforested.

Recommended Activities
• Camping by the river
• Participating in the reforestation project
• Building water-slowing weirs to protect the forest

Business Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Information

Address: Na Chom Thian Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province

Phone: 081-7824032, 033-046037

Directions

By Car: Take Highway 3 (Sukhumvit-Pattaya) past South Pattaya towards Sattahip. Once you enter Na Chom Thian, around kilometer marker 161, look for the entrance to Khao Chi Chan Temple on your left. Turn left onto Ban Yen Road and continue straight for approximately 8 kilometers. The project will be on your right.

Public Transportation:

Take a van from Bangkok to Sattahip and get off at the Nong Jab Tao intersection (Km 161, the intersection leading to Silverlake Vineyard). From there, walk into the alley and look for a local motorcycle taxi sign. It could be a regular motorcycle or a sidecar. Don't forget to ask for their phone number for your return trip.

9. Laem Pak Bia, Phetchaburi

The Environmental Research and Development Project initiated by His Majesty the King serves as an experimental site for the development and restoration of mangrove forests and community wastewater treatment plants, adhering to the principle of "nature helping nature."

Recommended Activities:

  • Nature walk through the mangrove forest (850 meters): Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the mangrove ecosystem.
  • Birdwatching: Observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
  • Visit the sand spit: Enjoy the scenic views of the coastline and the unique landform.
  • Explore the observation tower: Gain a panoramic perspective of the surrounding area and learn about the local ecology.

Opening Days: Every day
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Contact Information

Address: Ban Pha Nien, Laem Phak Bia Subdistrict, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province 76100

Phone Number: 032-441-265

Directions

By Car: Located on the coastal road from Ban Laem District to Chao Samran Beach, approximately 15 km away. The entrance to the Laem Phak Bia project is next to Wat Samut Khot Dam.

Public transportation: Take a train, bus, or van to Phetchaburi and then rent a motorbike to ride there. Alternatively, if you are traveling with a group, you can hire a songthaew (a type of shared taxi).

Image source: http://www.ท้าเที่ยวข้ามภาค.com/singlepage/missiondetail/92 http://img.painaidii.com/images/20160907_6_1473232540_139839.jpg https://travel.kapook.com/view158880.html http://mapio.net/pic/p-121958599/https://sites.google.com/site/wannaboonpech5613123200005/home/kheuxn-pa-sak-chl-siththi http://70routesofking.tourismthailand.org/place.php?id=25https://www.konderntang.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/laem-pak-bea-03.jpg

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