• Multimedia presentation
• Community Development: Vocational training,
  Agricultural Cooperatives
• Fisheries
• Agriculture/Agricultural Development/
  Agricultural Extension
• Phra Ram Pavilion
• Vetiver grass
• Ornamental plants
• Economic crops/plants
• Organic farming/Sustainable agriculture
• Kitchen garden
• Livestock
• Soil Rehabilitation
• 'New Theory Farming'
• Botanical Gardens
• Herb Gardens

Agricultural Activities and Livestock Development

The range of activities highlighted includes field farming, kitchen gardens, the cultivation of economic crops such as mango, cashew nuts, sweet tamarind, mushrooms, sweet corn, baby corn, beans, grapes and other vegetables and fruits. Mushrooms are cultivated from spores and transplanted between jars and then into nurturing bags housed in thatched huts.

Animal husbandry plays an important role, from livestock enclosures to frog-rearing pens. In the fisheries section, eggs turn into tiny fish fry in pipe-fed nurseries, which simulate stream conditions, before growing to full size in large ponds. Here, a stunning array of multi-coloured Siamese fighting fish is on display.

Cottage industries



Cottage industries comprise an important way for farmers to earn supplementary income between harvests. The Study Centre offers vocational training programmes to help villagers develop various skills. As part of the tour, visitors are shown demonstrations in textile-weaving and hand-crafted products made from bamboo.

New Theory Farming



The visual focus of the grounds is a central lake, where an island of interleaved boulders illustrates the centre’s name, Khao Hin Sorn – ‘Mountain of overlapping stones’. This is one of several large ponds that demonstrate methods for storing water in such arid terrain.

In the area around the central lake, farmers practice the King’s ‘New Theory’ which entails diversification of root, grain, vegetable and fruit crops, as well as fisheries and animal husbandry. This reacquaints farmers with folk knowledge regarding sustainable land use.

The New Theory provides a modern way to integrate ancient wisdom with modern innovations. The process starts with the Study Centre providing free seeds, equipment and technical expertise that includes the on-site transfer of know-how to long-term vocational training. The Study Centre offers opportunities for farmers to enrol in a diploma programme at its College; admission fees are wholly subsidised by the project.

Extension of His Majesty’s agricultural theories from Khao Hin Sorn into practical use in villages is one of the Centre’s most important missions. Hence Khao Hin Sorn places great importance on joint community development efforts with neighbouring settlements.

Organic Farming and the Use of Organic (chemical free) Fertilisers

To stress the benefits of natural produce and food safety, as well as a healthy environment, all land use at Khao Hin Sorn is organic. His Majesty encourages soil rehabilitation by using organic fertilisers and compost, and the cultivation of crops by using chemical-free fertilizers. This enables products grown to be labelled organic. The Study Centre also demonstrates hydroponics, a cultivation technique in which plants are grown not in soil but in nutrient-rich water.

Vetiver Grass



To regenerate the area’s poor soil, to prevent erosion and find ways to retain moisture in the sandy ground, the Study Centre showcases His Majesty’s advocacy of planting Vetiver Grass. Demonstration plots provide vivid examples of New Theory farming as a technique that is ‘simple, inexpensive, applicable, acceptable’ and highly effective.

The hardy, versatile plant prevents erosion on forest fringes, along ridges, around ponds and along gullies, where it is planted in V-shapes. Grown in circles around fruit trees, Vetiver retains nutrients and becomes a natural fertiliser. Vetiver regenerates easily and its roots loosen hardened clumps of soil as well as improving water quality by trapping residues and preventing siltation of ponds.

Herb Garden



Herbs are one way in which the urban public is appreciating ancient rural wisdom.
While strolling along the shady, aromatic trails lacing the botanical garden, a bouquet of even stronger scents emanate from the herbal sauna, which has separate facilities for male and female visitors. Many visitors make this their last, revitalising stop. Refreshed by the herbal steam, visitors then sip a special herbal tonic.

Herbal products are among goods sold in the shop, which also include basketry and handwoven textiles. These further establish the Study Centre’s stature through the Khao Hin Sorn brand name. It’s worth visiting the shop early, because newly-picked mushrooms and other fresh produce sell out fast.

What better evidence of the wholesome goodness of Khao Hin Sorn’s emphasis on organic produce and food safety? Such practical, quality results are what the Royal Study Centres are about.