Ayutthaya Royal Arts

Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, has been transformed into a modern epicenter for cultural preservation largely through the visionary efforts of Queen Sirikit. Recognizing that the region’s historical identity was inseparable from its traditional craftsmanship, Her Majesty established centers to serve as a vital training ground where rural farmers from across Thailand are invited to learn refined skills such as basketry, silk weaving, and wood carving, effectively turning the ancient capital into a "living museum" of Thai heritage. By providing a prestigious venue for these artisans to exhibit and sell their work, the Queen ensured that the artistic traditions of the Ayutthaya era were not merely relics of the past but sustainable livelihoods for the future. Her dedication to the SUPPORT Foundation in this region has bridged the gap between the ruins of the old kingdom and a thriving modern industry, solidifying Ayutthaya's role as the heartbeat of Thai traditional arts & craft.

Arts of the Kingdom Museum

The museum serves as a magnificent showcase of Thailand’s highest level of craftsmanship and stands as a cornerstone of Queen Sirikit’s cultural legacy. Originally housed in Bangkok’s Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the collection was moved to this sprawling, state-of-the-art facility in Ayutthaya to preserve and display the "masterpieces of the land" created by the Queen Sirikit Institute. What makes the museum truly unique is that its breathtaking exhibits - ranging from the intricate Gold Niello Bhudthan Throne and life-sized carved teak partitions to shimmering beetle-wing collages and gold-threaded embroideries - were all crafted by the sons and daughters of impoverished farmers. Personally selected by Her Majesty and trained from scratch through the SUPPORT Foundation, these individuals were transformed into master artisans capable of reviving ancient techniques that were once on the brink of extinction.

Learning Story of Khon

Immersive into the heart of Thailand’s most prestigious masked dance-drama, an art form inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This dedicated space serves as a vibrant extension of Queen Sirikit’s tireless efforts to revitalize Khon, which had seen a decline in popularity before her royal intervention sparked a national resurgence. The exhibition seamlessly guides visitors through the intricate "behind-the-scenes" world of the performance, showcasing the meticulous creation of hand-painted papier-mâché masks, the shimmering costumes adorned with exquisite gold-thread embroidery, and the glittering jewelry that defines each character from the Ramakien epic. The gallery utilizes multimedia displays to explain the specialized training, traditional music, and complex choreography that have been preserved through the Queen’s Royal Khon Performances.

Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute

The institute's sprawling complex features an impressive exhibition hall that showcases a wide array of masterpieces, ranging from delicate gold nielloware and intricate textiles to modern eco-friendly crafts. By providing master artisans with a platform to preserve their heritage while simultaneously training new designers to adapt these ancient skills for modern lifestyle products, SACIT ensures that the vision of Queen Sirikit remains sustainable in the 21st century. Through its rigorous quality certification programs and international trade fairs, the institute effectively elevates local folk arts into high-value exports, ensuring that the craftsmanship of Thailand continues to flourish, both as a cultural pride and as a viable economic force.

Bang Sai Folk Arts and Craft Centre

Established in 1980 under the SUPPORT Foundation, this expansive 140-acre complex was designed to provide farmers from across the kingdom with supplementary income by training them in traditional Thai crafts during the off-harvest season. The centre functions as a comprehensive vocational school where master artisans pass down specialized knowledge in over 20 different workshops, including silk weaving, wood carving, basketry, and the creation of delicate miniature dolls. Visitors can wander through a simulated Thai village that showcases the diverse architectural styles of Thailand’s four regions, while also witnessing live demonstrations of the intricate handiwork that goes into every piece. By transforming unskilled laborers into world-class craftsmen, the Queen effectively ensured that ancient artistic techniques would not be lost to time, but would instead serve as a sustainable source of pride and livelihood for thousands of Thai families.