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Art and Craft Market offers fun as well as traditional and contemporary Lanna craftsmanship in line with the vision of the Princess Mother

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In its mission to carry out the vision of “cultivating people” of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage opened the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, the center of centuries old Lanna art and culture, as the venue for and Art and Craft Market. This market aimed to draw those who enjoy all facets of Lanna arts and crafts, with stalls offering handicrafts and art-related activities presented by students of various educational institutes and communities on Doi Tung. Apart from arts and craft products, there were also a variety of local delicacies to complete the picture of Lanna art and culture. The event aimed to encourage community participation and create value added to folk culture all the way to national treasures. The Art and Craft Market took place from Friday 7 February to Sunday 9 February 2020, from 4-9pm at the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, Chiang Rai Province.   

Khunying Puangroi Diskul na Ayudhya, director of Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, presided at the opening of the event, which was attended by several renowned local art celebrities such as National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, Doi Din Daeng’s ceramic artist Somlak Pantibun, and Assoc Prof Dr Chaiyosh Isavorapant​ of Silpakorn University. They participated in a seminar under the title “Perspectives on Realizing the Potential of Chiang Rai as an Art City”, aimed at motivating the younger generation to perpetuate their artistic and cultural heritage, and reminding local people that

“The myriad that the Princess Mother carried out for them, especially related to forests, people, vocations, and the conservation of local arts and crafts, should continue to be realized by everyone without losing heart. If we all do our part, Chiang Rai can definitely become an art city”  

Also present were members of the local government and business community including Chiang Rai deputy governor Phasadate  Hongladarom, Phayao mayor Chulasinee  Rojanakulkumjorn, and management of Mae Fah Luang Foundation. The opening ceremony featured a Puja Drum Dance, a Lanna floral dance parade and other colorful performances by well known artists, ethnic hill tribe villagers from Ban Khayang Pattana, Ban Huai Nam Khun, Ban Cha Lo, Ban Pa Sang Na Ngern, as well as young performers from local educational institutes such as Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai Vocational College, Mae Fah Luang University and Suksa Songkro Mae Chan School. Performances included Lua Rerng Phrai [Lua Jungle Joy], folk songs, Himavanta Ranchuan [Yearning for Himavanta] and Wai Sa Mae Fah Luang. There were demonstration workshops such as ceramic sculpting and painting, key chain roping, tray garden design, bag making by Doi Tung Development Project, silverware workshops, carving and Lanna craft workshops, a visual arts exhibition by students of Chiang Rai educational institutes, as well as ethnic food stalls with a variety of delicious menus such as Spicy Ma La, Mee Krob Song Khreung with a touch of som sa for a refreshing tang and avocado juice, to name but a few.

There were also various activities reflecting both traditional and contemporary Lanna arts and culture, as well as an exhibition on “Somdet Ya” the Princess Mother, founder of the Thai Hill Crafts Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra the Princess Mother, which is now known as Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage. Her Royal Highness also established the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park where old wooden Lanna artifacts are collected and housed to safeguard them for future generations. A number of these artifacts were also put on display for visitors to enjoy and photograph. They included:

Puja Drum – an ancient drum used to signal an enemy attack during times of war, to signal victory, as well as to call attention to a news announcements, as well as a musical instrument for entertainment purposes.

Tung Kradang – Tung is a Lanna word for banner. Tung are used in Buddhist ceremonies, both auspicious and otherwise, and come in various shapes, sizes and materials depending on beliefs and rituals as well as local preferences. Tung Kradang is made from durable material such as carved wood, stucco or metal, so they have a long lifespan.

Sattaphan – This is a candlestick for paying homage to the Triple Gems in the prayer hall or the vihara (meditation hall) in the Lanna Kingdom. The name, Sattaphan, is derived from the Sattapariphan mountain range that surrounds the mythical Mount Sumeru. It is made of carved wood in a triangular gable shape or semi circle on a low table. It has seven columns on which candles are placed, representing the seven mountains surrounding Mount Sumeru. It is truly a traditional artifact that reflects the culture and faith of the Lanna Kingdom.

M.R. Disnadda Diskul, Chairman of Mae Fah Luang Foundation and Outstanding Alumni of Indiana University,

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attended the “70th Anniversary of Relations between Thailand and Indiana University”

To mark the “70th Anniversary of Relations between Thailand and Indiana University”, Indiana University invited M.R. Disnadda Diskul, Chairman of Mae Fah Luang Foundation, to attend the celebration as an IU alumnus and recipient of the Thomas Hart Benton Mural Medallion in 2016, the institute’s highest honor.

M.R. Disnadda Diskul was also invited by Kelley School, Indiana University, to give a speech on the importance of close cooperation between the university and its alumni as being a true force capable of creating benefit for society and the world. On the partnership between Kelley School and Mae Fah Luang Foundation, M.R. Disnadda said,

“Today, Indiana University, and particularly Kelley School, is one of our important academic allies. We offer opportunities for graduate students to come and study the work of Doi Tung Development Project for the entire semester. This field programme allows them to adjust their business strategies to suit the geo-social environment in a realistic manner.”

MOU Signing to Use Aerospace Technology for Sustainable Development

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M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, CEO of Mae Fah Luang Foundation signed an MOU with Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) for innovation development on the use of aerospace technology and geo-informatics during “Thailand Space Week 2019”, an international space exhibition at Impact Forum, Muangthong Thani. The technology is aimed at supporting development work based on His Majesty King Bhumibol’s sustainable development principles. The MOU allows for knowledge exchange and

sharing, research and development of aerospace technology and geo-informatics, as well as the application of data collected to improve the quality of life of the people and plan for sustainable community management according to His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy Principles.

“Thai Textile: A Touch of Thai” Thai Art and Culture Exhibition on the Concept “Thai Textiles on the International Stage” in Japan

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M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, CEO of Mae Fah Luang Foundation, submitted a special collection of fashion items from DoiTung brand that combined artisanal craftsmanship with eco-friendly innovation in a yarn made from waste products for presentation at “Thai Textile: A Touch of Thai” under the campaign “Promoting Thai Art and Culture Overseas” in Japan. This was organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture together with representatives from both the government and private sectors to mark the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and to promote Her Majesty’s achievements in the conservation of Thai textiles through the “Thai Textiles on the International Stage” concept. The event, held from 19-26 August 2019 in Japan, was attended by dignitaries from Thailand and Japan.

On display were “MAWATA – HILL TRIBE Bumble Jacket” and “OVERSIZE – HILL TRIBE Bag”, both of which had won the DEMark Award 2019, and the DoiTung Autumn/Winter 2018-2019 collection.

Seminar on “Development of the Thai Language Syllabus for Children whose First Language is not Thai”

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Mae Fah Luang Foundation, together with the Chiang Rai Primary Education Service Area Office 3 and Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, organised a seminar from 8-9 August 2019 at the International Auditorium, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, on the topic “Development of the Thai Language Syllabus for Children whose First Language is not Thai” for 39 model schools in the Doi Tung Development Project area and in project extension areas. This included demonstration lessons by teachers in Chiang Rai Province

and teachers in the upper northern provinces in similar environments. The seminar had an attendance of over 600 including administrators of educational institutes, teachers, pupils, students and the general public from Chiang Rai and neighboring provinces.

Today, Mae Fah Luang’s development know-how has become a recognised model that is widely accepted. Its main principle is “cultivating people” that will lead to sustainable solutions. The younger generation is the key, so for the development of education, Mae Fah Luang Foundation is aware of the need for local children whose first language is not Thai to have a good grasp of the Thai language. A sound and sustained Thai language syllabus is therefore a priority, with 8 schools in the Doi Tung Development Project area being designated model schools over the past 13 years.

Mobile Dental Clinics 2019

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To pay tribute to the vision of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on 28 July 2019, Mae Fah Luang Foundation, together with the “Dental Unit of His Majesty the King”, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Royal Initiative Discovery Foundation, Yala Province and Yala Provincial Health Office, provided dental health checkup and treatment, and disseminated knowledge on oral hygiene to the general public from 10-11 July 2019 at Bannangsata Intarachat School, Bannang Sata District, Yala Province.

It was the second time such event of 2019 held in the three southern border provinces, and was supported by volunteer dentists who provided a range of dental treatments and disseminated knowledge on oral hygiene to the public. A total of 2,689 patients received treatment.

The 7th High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)

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On 9-15 July 2019, M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, CEO of Mae Fah Luang Foundation, was one of the guest speakers at the side session on the topic “Regional Contributions to Empower People and Promote Equality: Experiences, Lessons Learnt and Way Forward” during the HLPF, a United Nations forum on Sustainable Development under the banner of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York, USA. Experiences were shared on the social enterprise operations of Doi Tung Development Project to mitigate economic, social and environmental issues in a holistic manner, and how to plan for a policy on circular economy in the future. It was attended by over 70 participants.

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati

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made three visits to the Roi Jai Rak Project, Tha Ton Sub-district, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province. The project had been implemented to support the government’s drug mitigation policies:

The First Royal Visit:

On 18 October 2018, Her Royal Highness briefed representatives of various government units on the project’s year-end operation results, observed the work of the “Asa Tham Dee” [Volunteer for Good] group or drug rehabilitation volunteer group. HRH was briefed on public health activities, and established community rules and regulations within the project area. Her Royal Highness also talked to the local villagers who were on hand to welcome her.

The Second Royal Visit:

On 20 November 2018, Her Royal Highness presented money wages to the first group of Asa Tham Dee volunteers who had passed the drug test and completed their training with the project team. Her Royal Highness also held discussions with officials of the Ministry of Public Health on health issues and the possibility of setting up a drug rehabilitation centre in the project area. Her Royal Highness was briefed on lowland rice, then joined 354 villagers in harvesting jasmine rice, before viewing the products on sale at the Kad Luang Roi Jai Rak community market.

The Third Royal Visit:

On 3 July 2019, Her Royal Highness presented Roi Jai Rak Project identification cards to representatives or village heads of each participating village. She listened to their problems and needs, their opinions towards the project, and also shared her own views with the villagers, and proposed to them the project’s agriculture and livestock development programme which are the main livelihoods of the local villagers. Her Royal Highness also questioned the local government officials on the problems and obstacles they faced in their work, the results of implementing community regulations, and the situation and changes within the community after implementing the Roi Jai Rak Project. The fact that Her Royal Highness personally followed up on every detail greatly boosted the morale of the villagers and

local government officials as well as the project team in carrying on their development project for drug mitigation.

The Ministry of Culture Declares Doi Tung to be 1 of 10 Top Cultural Travel Destinations in Thailand

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In May 2019, the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, declared Doi Tung Development Project to be one of 10 top cultural travel destinations in Thailand. The citation declared that it was a knowledge centre for art and culture, conserving an important national heritage. It encouraged community participation to create value-added to local and national art and culture, and was well-known both in Thailand and internationally.