Ministry of Tourism and TAT Launch Cultural Tour Route to Honoring Queen Mother

On August 12, 2026, at the Koh Kerd Handicraft Center, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), invites Thai and foreign tourists to join a journey connecting the Grand Palace in Bangkok to the Koh Kerd Arts and Crafts Center in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, under the concept of "Koh Kerd Arts and Crafts of Siam," to honor and express gratitude for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's graciousness on the occasion of her 12th August 2026 birthday. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, invites you to experience cultural and artistic tourism through exquisite arts, Khon (traditional Thai masked dance-drama) performances, and stories of her royal aspirations in preserving Thai cultural heritage.

Throughout her reign, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, has performed numerous royal duties in conserving, restoring, and promoting Thai arts, crafts, and traditional knowledge, particularly the Royal Arts and Crafts Foundation. This has played a vital role in maintaining the nation's artistic and cultural heritage, while simultaneously creating jobs and income for local people, improving their quality of life, and passing on knowledge of Thai craftsmanship from generation to generation – a crucial foundation for the continued preservation of Thai cultural heritage.

In order to honor and express gratitude for Her Majesty's immense kindness, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the TAT, in collaboration with the Royal Arts and Crafts Foundation under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, presents this unique cultural experience. An organized tour route connecting the Grand Palace to the Koh Kerd Handicraft Center, under the concept of "Koh Kerd Art, Land of Siam," invites interested individuals to experience the value of high-quality Thai fine arts at the Royal Arts Museum in Koh Kerd Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This museum houses exquisite works reflecting the wisdom, meticulous craftsmanship, and skill of Thai artisans, representing a valuable national cultural heritage. Under the "Koh Kerd Art, Land of Siam" concept, participants will visit the Khon (Thai masked dance-drama) learning center and learn about the value of Khon, a high-class Thai performing art that blends various disciplines. They will then travel by tram to the Royal Arts Museum to view valuable fine arts works, and browse and purchase local products and souvenirs.

This route offers a unique cultural tourism experience that connects performing arts, fine arts, and Thai wisdom. It conveys the "Charm of Thailand" through artistic works and inherited knowledge, providing an opportunity for younger generations, families, tourists, and those interested in arts and culture to learn about and experience the value of Thai cultural heritage firsthand. Free shuttle service is provided between Bangkok and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (Koh Kerd Royal Handicraft Centre) to facilitate access for the public and tourists.

The TAT is providing a free shuttle service between the Grand Palace and the Koh Kerd Royal Handicraft Center from now until December 26, 2026. The service operates every Wednesday to Sunday. The outbound trip departs from Na Phra Lan Road, opposite the Viman Teves Gate on the Silpakorn University side, Bangkok at 11:00 AM and arrives at the Koh Kerd Royal Handicraft Center around 12:30 PM. The return trip departs from the Koh Kerd Royal Handicraft Center at 3:30 PM and arrives at the Bangkok Central Station, Building 4, around 4:30-5:00 PM. Those interested can register in advance through the channels specified by the project. The service accommodates a maximum of 50 participants per shuttle.

Throughout the project's duration, TAT will continuously promote the activity through online and offline media to raise awareness about the Royal Arts Museum and the Khon (traditional Thai masked dance) learning center, and to encourage travel connecting Bangkok and Ayutthaya Province. And to promote Thailand's image as a destination for unique and valuable Thai art, culture, and wisdom, as well as to continue the royal aspirations in preserving and disseminating the nation's cultural heritage for generations to come.