‘We should start small, succeed well, and then expand’, not just doing big things from the beginning.
… When I am certain that the process is feasible, I would then give these tested solutions to the administration or the agency in charge. They can then scale it up to cover the entire population who can benefit from such undertakings.
… If you launch some work, for example, telling farmers to plant certain vegetables or raise cattle, there are many risks, like the climatic risk which is a big issue today. The farmers are subject to those risks. They might go bankrupt and be tortured, and the company or the government agency who gave them advice would not be responsible at this stage. So we think we try to do the experiments until we are sure that the work can be implemented. This is a measure of risk management.
The 5th UNCTAD XII Roundtable
April 24, 2008, Accra, Ghana
Introduction
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s concern for the well-being of people is not limited to only the Thai. With long experience in improving quality of life of people in her own country, Her Royal Highness has expanded the benefits of her work to underprivileged children, youth, and society in other countries and to share with others her experiences upon their request. In addition, she has created partnerships with many international organizations, such as UNESCO, the World Food Program (WFP), and FAO, as well as many private sectors to jointly create well-being, peace, and happiness to the people in this globalized world.
In collaboration with other countries, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s initiatives are being adopted to fit the context of each country. Her initiative started with a small experimental project known as Agriculture for School Lunch, which is now seen as a sustainable development model for improving the capacity of people to develop their full potential with greater focus on children and youth who are the future of countries. In undertaking actions, a child-centered principle and education as a tool for development is used. An integrated approach through a school setting has been implemented by teachers and the community with joint support from key sectors, such as education, agriculture, health, and local administrations. Children will be equipped with knowledge, skills, and attitudes for a healthy life through a process called learning by doing. Community participation is also a key. Parents and other community members are encouraged to participate in school activities, in which knowledge can be transferred to families and communities.
With the Collaborative Project on Children and Youth Development under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, it aims to realize improvements in the quality of life of children and youth in schools, as well as to acquire knowledge and share experiences in child and youth development. This aim can assist in moving forward by establishing effective collaborations so that the ultimate goal of children’s well-being can be achieved.
Target Areas in 10 countries

Scope of the Collaborative Project
1) School agriculture
2) School cooperatives
3) School meal services
4) Nutrition monitoring system
5) Personal hygiene practices
6) School health services
7) School sanitation
8) Agriculture, nutrition, health and hygiene education
List of Participating Schools
Royal Visit
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
15 August 2024
Source: 3PlusNews
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
14 August 2024
Source: 3PlusNews
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
13 August 2024
Source: 3PlusNews
Republic of the Philippines
25 July 2024
Source: 3PlusNews
Republic of the Philippines
24 July 2024
Source: 3PlusNews
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
12 June 2019
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
11 June 2019
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
Republic of the Philippines
4 June 2019
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
29 May 2018
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
28 May 2018
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
Source: Facebook Samtengang Central School
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
Republic of Indonesia
8 March 2016
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
Kingdom of Cambodia
23 February 2016
Source: Thai News Agency TNAMCOT
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
5 October 2015
Source: 3PlusNews
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
8 May 2015
Source: 3PlusNews
Activities
A Follow-up Visit on the Collaborative Project on Children and Youth Development between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
From July 14 to 18, 2025, the Office of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Projects conducted a mission to monitor the progress of the Child and Youth Development Cooperation Project in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, under Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The delegation was led by Colonel Associate Professor Nantaporn Viravat, Advisor to the Royal Projects Office, along with Mr. Aphisit Pungporn, Director of the Royal Projects Office; Mr. Paiboon Sirisangtragul, Advisor to the Child and Youth Development Project; Mr. Jatuporn Tantisunthorn, Head of Operations; and Ms. Wallapha Sukma, Project Officer. Representatives from the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon also joined the mission. The delegation visited ten target schools.
Publication
Books
Manual/ Guideline
Posters