Bilateral meeting with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand

Bangkok – The FAO Director-General QU Dongyu met with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand on the occasion of the International Water and Soil Forum 2024, co-organized by FAO and the Kingdom of Thailand in Bangkok. 

The Director-General conveyed his deep appreciation to HRH Princess Sirindhorn for meeting with him and the FAO delegation and expressed his gratitude for the ongoing excellent relations between FAO and the Kingdom of Thailand, and especially for HRH’s contribution as FAO Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific. In this regard, the Director-General conveyed his deep appreciation for HRH the Princess’s ongoing support for the World Food Day observance through the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific over a long time.

The Director-General also referred to the Kingdom of Thailand’s strong support for World Soil Day, celebrated on 5 December annually, on the birthday of the late King Bhumibol to honour his lifelong commitment to sustainable soil management, which improved the lives of millions.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn welcomed the Director-General and the FAO delegation and expressed her willingness to continue supporting the work of FAO and the important mandate of the Organization, especially to continue supporting her late father’s will to assist farmers. In this regard, HRH the Princess conveyed her interest in supporting dairy farmers by exploring strategies to reduce feed costs and promote the cultivation of high-protein plants as sustainable feed alternatives. 

The Director-General shared his insights from his recent visit to the Baan Saladin Community Village near Bangkok, highlighting how the villagers effectively manage challenges related to wastewater, water scarcity, pollution, and flooding through innovative local solutions. The Director-General shared his vision to further develop the concept of a “Four Betters Village”, to showcase the implementation of the Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life – on the ground.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn and the Director-General conveyed their mutual wish to continue strengthening relations between FAO and the Kingdom of Thailand.