The Sirindhorn International Environmental Park
Learning centre on energy, natural resources & environment and extensive range of services and facilities on hospitality and ecotourism. It was on 14th August 1994 that HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Crown Princess graciously mentioned an initiative to Dr.Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board at the time, at Mrigadayavan Palace to secure suitable land for mangrove planting and rehabilitation. On 17th August 1994, the princess planted several types of mangrove trees at the entrance of Khlong Bang Tra Yai and Khlong Bang Tra Noi and graciously gave additional initiatives to the Superintendent 1, Tactical Training Division to conducted a study to find out how to care for trees planted to survive and continue planting further at the Bang Tra Yai and Khlong Bang Tra Noi. On 2nd April 1998, while the princess was riding her bicycle and jogging around Rama VI camp, she saw soil and abandoned land conditions with salt crust, and gave an initiative to Lady Putri Viravaidya to find ways to rehabilitate such mangrove forests and degraded soil to once again become green and naturally fertile enough to use as recreational areas and ecological study site. In 2000, the Border Patrol Police Bureau (BPPB), Huai Sai Royal Department Study Centre, and the Foundation for Mrigadayavan Palace under the patronage of HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi jointly established an international environmental park at Rama VI camp in Amphoe Cha-am, Phetchaburi, for presentation to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2003, to be named 'The Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP)' to celebrate on the occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Forty-eighth Birthday Anniversary. Its operation was designed to follow the initiatives and work during her work-stay at the camp in the hope that it will become a living natural museum which represent HRH the Princess’s honourable deeds and ingenuity in conservation of nature, environment, history, and culture, to both Thais and foreigners. In addition, the park will help promote ecotourism, and historical tourism for Thailand and the world. On 13th November 2000, HRH Princess Sirindhorn graciously granted royal permission to name the institute after herself as 'The Sirindhorn International Environmental Park' and also granted royal permission to use the royal initials “Sor Tho” as a park logo. The Sirindhorn International Park is managed by the foundation of SIEP which came under the patronage of HRH princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 28th May 2002 with Mr.Sumet tantivejkul as a Chairman of foundation board. The foundation formulated management plans following her wishes. On 19th July 2008, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously granted a royal audience to officially open the Sirindhorn International Environment Park. The board, the staffs and every related sections were very delighted to be a part of this ceremony.
