The Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF) recently organised a series of activities in Chiang Rai to mark the 31st anniversary of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, commemorated annually on July 18.
The activities included enrichment planting to restore the Doi Tung ecosystem, the annual “Karen Ethnic Art” exhibition, a merit-making ceremony and a traditional floral-offering ceremony.
The programme was held in remembrance of the Princess Mother’s boundless benevolence and to carry forward her royal vision of “Planting Forests, Planting People” through tangible action in forest restoration, ecosystem stewardship and the improvement of community well-being.
These principles continue to guide the foundation’s work towards the sustainable coexistence of people and nature.
The programme began with an activity under the project “Forest Rehabilitation and Enrichment: Reviving Original Forests in Continuation of the Royal Initiative”.
MFLF joined government agencies and local residents in planting 2,000 saplings representing more than 20 native tree species across 50 rai, or approximately eight hectares, near Ban Mae Poen in Mae Fah Luang subdistrict and Mae Fah Luang district, Chiang Rai.
The activity aimed to rehabilitate forest damaged by wildfires and the mass flowering and subsequent die-off of bamboo in 2024, while enhancing biodiversity and the area’s capacity to sequester carbon.
Khunying Puangroi Diskul na Ayudhaya, a member of the MFLF Board of Directors, said the Princess Mother’s declaration, “I will plant forests on Doi Tung,” reflected her remarkable foresight.
The Princess Mother recognised the importance of forest restoration more than 50 years ago, she said. Today, the world is facing increasingly severe climate variability, making nature restoration an urgent priority requiring action from all sectors.
Biodegradable seedling bags made from cassava starch were used during the planting activity. The bags decompose in soil within four weeks, helping to reduce plastic waste while protecting the seedlings’ roots from damage during planting.
Dry bamboo left by the die-off was also converted into biochar to improve soil quality and reduce the accumulation of combustible material in the forest.
The newly planted trees are expected to sequester approximately 35 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
Exhibition promotes Karen artistic heritage
Mr. Nakorn Phongnoi, Director of Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, subsequently organised the annual “Karen Ethnic Art” exhibition, featuring outstanding works by Karen artists from across Thailand.
Capt. Jitas Sornsongkram, a member of the MFLF Board of Directors, presided over the opening ceremony. Khunying Puangroi Diskul na Ayudhaya, M.L. Dispanadda Diskul and Ms. Phawana Niemloy also attended the event.
The exhibition was organised to promote, preserve and pass on the artistic and cultural heritage of Karen ethnic communities.
It opened to the public on July 19, 2026, and can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday between 8am and 4.30pm at Ho Kaeo, Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park in Chiang Rai.
Religious and traditional ceremonies
MFLF also held a merit-making ceremony at Wat Phra Kaew in Mueang Chiang Rai district, dedicating the merit to Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra.
The commemorative programme concluded with a traditional khan dok floral-offering ceremony jointly organised by the Chiang Rai provincial administration and MFLF at Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, also known as Rai Mae Fah Luang, in Mueang Chiang Rai district.
The ceremony was held as an expression of gratitude for the Princess Mother’s immeasurable benevolence.
Chiang Rai Governor Chucheep Pongchai presided over the ceremony, which was attended by MFLF representatives, heads of government agencies, public- and private-sector organisations, and Chiang Rai residents.
