The Minister of Tourism and Sports led a delegation to visit the Silp Paendin Museum and Khon Museum in Ayutthaya Province, honoring the Queen Mother's great benevolence and advancing sustainable cultural tourism plans.
Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, along with Mr. Patsakorn Rangsivatsaks, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, and the Ministry's working team, traveled to visit the Silp Paendin Museum and Khon Museum at the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province to study ways to promote cultural tourism and further develop short-, medium-, and long-term tourism collaborations.
On this occasion, they were honored by the presence of Lady Supornphen Luangthepnimit, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Royal Household Affairs of Her Majesty the Queen, Major General Chaiyut Wachiravarapak, Director of the Sirikit Institute, Mom Luang Orjitra Sanitwong, Deputy Director of the Sirikit Institute, Mrs. Pastraporn Daengthet, Deputy Director of the Sirikit Institute, Khunying Yaowanat Thaiwat, Deputy Director of the Sirikit Institute, Mr. Pithan Hiamtho, Senior Official 904/HMSV and Director of the Office of the Commander of the Department of Royal Household Affairs of Her Majesty the Queen, committee member and treasurer of the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations, and Lieutenant Colonel Chairat Pattareerangkun, Head of Finance Department, Office of the Commander of the Department of Royal Household Affairs of Her Majesty the Queen, committee member and assistant treasurer of the foundation, who welcomed and guided them through the valuable handicraft works.
The executives exchanged ideas about promoting cultural tourism alongside continuing the royal initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who dedicated her life to creating careers, improving quality of life, and preserving Thai wisdom through handicrafts.
“Seeing firsthand the silk, pottery, and weaving works of the foundation, these are not merely products or ordinary items but a history reflecting the Queen Mother’s compassion for the Thai people. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, I feel proud and honored to participate in commemorating her great benevolence through these valuable works,” said Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations was established on 21 July 1976 with the key goal of creating careers and increasing incomes for rural people while preserving valuable Thai art, culture, and handicrafts. Today, it has over 300 promotion centers nationwide and plays a vital role in passing on Thai wisdom to future generations.
Another important mission of the foundation is hosting the annual "Khon" performance to preserve and continue Thailand’s high classical dance drama, alongside promoting and selling handicraft products to generate sustainable community income.
In 2026, a significant national event will be held: the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, scheduled from 14 to 19 December 2026 at Sanam Luang.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is ready to support promoting the Queen Mother's royal duties and benevolence through tourism, arts, culture, and education, so the public and tourists can appreciate her kindness and the value of the handicrafts she established for the country.
“Following the minister’s intention to honor the Queen Mother’s benevolence, the ministry is prepared to support tourism-related missions and promote the value of handicrafts. Once details are clarified and approved through proper channels, the ministry will continuously publicize this to the public,” said Mr. Patsakorn Rangsivatsaks, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports.
For members of the public and tourists interested in traveling to Ayutthaya to admire the beauty of handicrafts, you can visit two main locations of the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province as follows.
Tourist locations | Coordinates | Highlights of the place |
| Silp Paendin Museum | Ko Koet Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District | A place exhibiting nationally valuable master handicrafts. |
| Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Center | Chang Yai Subdistrict, Bang Sai District | A learning center for handicrafts and Thai wisdom lifestyle. |
Operating hours: Silp Paendin Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 15:30 (closed Monday and Tuesday). Admission fee: Adults 150 baht; Students, university students, and seniors (60+) 75 baht.
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