The Diana Group created both a source of fresh produce for its hotels and another attraction for Pattaya tourists with the opening of its “sufficiency farm”.
Modeled on the sufficiency economy philosophy of HM the late King Rama IX, “Baan Rai Porpeang” in Pong Sub-district grows organic fruit and vegetables with the crops sent to Diana Group properties around the area.
Former Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, ex-Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Samart Thongrod, president of the Pattaya Journalists Association joined Diana Group Managing Director Sopin Thappajug at the Feb. 28 opening.
Sopin said the Diana Group is concerned about their guests’ health and therefore wanted a supply of organic produce.
She predicted this also will become an agricultu ral tourist attraction for Pong that will sell some of its crops to visitors.
The project was spearheaded by Pratheep Maryim of Baan Maryim, a devout follower of the late monarch and his belief that Thailand could grow and prosper if every village was self-sufficient.
The opening was a festive affair with children from the Human Help Network Thailand entertaining guests and Pong Deputy Mayor Suntorn Ketthong donating a plot of land for public use. Sopin also donated 20,000 baht to the press association for the upcoming Journalists Day celebration.
