Royal Development Project in Prachin Buri Province is a clear example of His Majesty the King’s benevolence toward the people. His Majesty dedicated personal land and funds to establish a model area for agriculture and rural development based on the Sufficiency Economy philosophy. Located in Bang Taen Sub-district, Ban Sang District, Prachin Buri, the project aims to demonstrate appropriate agricultural and resource-management practices that people can adapt to their households and communities—so they can live sufficiently and sustainably, even during economic fluctuations.

 

This area officially began on 18 November 1998, the date on which the royal initiative was granted to proceed. The clear purpose was to use His Majesty’s land as a center for demonstrations and knowledge transfer in agriculture and water management, enabling the public to study, learn, and apply the practices in real life. Prachin Buri was chosen because it is a lowland area near water sources, suitable for integrated farming, yet still facing constraints that require systematic management—especially water management during both the rainy and dry seasons.

 

What made the Bang Taen Royal Development Project well known is the use of simple yet effective ideas—such as raising frogs in rice fields. Frogs help control insect pests naturally, significantly reducing chemical use, while also creating additional income from frog sales. As a result, farmers have safe food for their own consumption, extra earnings, and environmental protection at the same time. These small-scale practices reflect the core of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy: everything should proceed with moderation, rationality, and built-in resilience.

 

Beyond frog raising, the project promotes other forms of integrated farming, such as growing rice alongside kitchen vegetables, planting fruit trees along field ridges, keeping small livestock to increase household protein, and basic processing to add value—like packing brown rice or preparing dishes from farmed frogs. These measures not only cut expenses but also generate more income, helping residents live securely without relying solely on market prices.

 

Another key component is water management. The project improved the Bang Taen Noi irrigation canal to store and drain water efficiently. Sound water infrastructure prevents shortages in the dry season and damage from flooding in the rainy season. There are also small water sources and distribution systems leading into farm plots so residents have equitable access. All this enables farmers to plan cultivation with greater confidence and long-term sustainability.

 

Over the decades, the Bang Taen Royal Development Project has become a living learning site. Government agencies—such as the Department of Agriculture, the Land Development Station, and the Provincial Livestock Office—as well as educational institutions, have joined in to transfer knowledge and conduct demonstrations for the public and interested groups. Training covers composting, bio-fertilizers, organic cultivation, and precision small-area farming that yields strong returns. Members of the public, students, and organizations from other provinces regularly visit to learn hands-on and adapt the lessons back home.

 

As for travel, the site is not far from Bangkok—about two hours by car. The main route is to drive from Bangkok toward Chachoengsao, take Highway 304 into Prachin Buri, then turn onto local roads into Bang Taen Sub-district, Ban Sang District. Along the way you’ll see signposts alternating with agricultural landscapes, clearly signaling you’re entering a true “land of agriculture and learning.” Those without a private car can take a bus to Prachin Buri city and then a songthaew (shared pickup) or motorcycle taxi to the project. For convenience, using a private vehicle or coordinating directly with the project for visit and transport arrangements is recommended.

 

A typical visit to the Bang Taen Royal Development Project starts with walking through rice fields and integrated plots. Visitors will see that rice is not grown alone; vegetables and fruit trees are planted along field ridges to boost yield and dietary diversity. Staff then demonstrate frog raising in rice fields, making bio-fertilizers, or keeping small livestock such as ducks, chickens, and pigs that supplement income and enrich the integrated system. These are not just theories—they are real pictures of a sufficient way of life at every step.

 

In the rainy season you’ll witness lush rice fields and the Bang Taen Noi canal full of water, with highlights on water management and frog-rice integration. In the dry season you’ll see water-saving cultivation, such as kitchen-garden vegetables and drought-tolerant fruit trees—showing how sufficiency-based agriculture truly adapts to the seasons. Whatever the time of year, there are options that help people make a living.

 

Equally important, this is not merely an agricultural demonstration site; it’s a place that instills the Sufficiency Economy mindset in visitors. Everyone who comes here sees examples of valuing resources, managing soil, water, and labor with moderation, and building household resilience. The knowledge is not just textbook theory but lived experience that clarifies how sufficiency is not about stopping development, but about developing sustainably—without harming oneself or the environment.

 

The continuing presence of the Bang Taen Royal Development Project is tangible proof of how close His Majesty the King’s benevolence is to the people. It is not only a royal initiative on paper but something the public can see, touch, and truly apply. That is why this site remains a compelling destination for farmers, students, academics, and anyone who wants to learn how to live sufficiently.

 

Name	Royal Development Project, Prachin Buri Province (Bang Taen Sub-district, Ban Sang District)
Location	Moo 10, Bang Taen Sub-district, Ban Sang District, Prachin Buri 25150
Key Characteristics	Sufficiency Economy learning center; integrated farming; frog-in-rice-field practice; water and irrigation management via Bang Taen Noi Canal
Period	Commenced on 18 November 1998
Key Evidence	Royal initiative records on a community rice-seed bank and frog-in-rice-field practice; improvement of Bang Taen Noi Canal
Name Origin	Developed and demonstrated using His Majesty’s personal land and funds
Travel	From Bangkok, take Highway 304 via Chachoengsao into Prachin Buri, then local roads to Bang Taen. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm the latest directions and visiting times.
Current Status	Open as a Sufficiency Economy learning and demonstration center for integrated farming
Contact Number	Last verified on 2025-09-29: 0-3727-1236, 037-457-184

 

It is located at Moo 10, Bang Taen Sub-district, Ban Sang District, Prachin Buri.

 

It has been in operation since 18 November 1998 under a royal initiative.

 

Integrated farming—such as rice with vegetables, frog-in-rice-field pest control—and improvements to the Bang Taen Noi irrigation canal.

 

Yes. It currently operates as a Sufficiency Economy learning center; visitors can schedule study tours.

 

From Bangkok, take Highway 304 via Chachoengsao into Prachin Buri, then continue to Bang Taen. The trip takes about two hours.

 

During the rainy season you’ll see rice fields and abundant water systems; in the dry season you’ll see water-saving cultivation and careful water management.

 

Yes: 0-3727-1236 and 037-457-184 (latest numbers for coordination).

 

Its strengths lie in lowland integrated farming and the innovative use of frog-in-rice-field practices alongside systematic water-management improvements.