Thailand's Royal Caviar: A Celebration of Local Communities and Enjoyment!
Learn how Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit is promoting the country's economy and traditions with sustainable caviar initiatives.

Thailand's Royal Caviar: A Celebration of Local Communities and Enjoyment!
In a moving period of Thai history, we must say goodbye to one of the most remarkable personalities: Queen Mother Sirikit. On Friday, a few days after a hospital stay, she died at the age of 93 after complications from a blood infection. Sirikit, who was born into a wealthy family in Bangkok in 1932 and married the then Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950, was a central figure in the monarchy and closely linked to the development of Thailand over many decades. Her death is a great loss not only for the royal family, but also for the entire country, as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized. The kingdom will be in mourning for a year, with the national flag flying at half-mast for 30 days to honor their contributions.
Sirikit was not only a queen, but also a tireless fighter for social justice and cultural preservation. Their initiatives have not only improved the living conditions of many Thais, but also contributed to the country's economic development. The Queen Mother was a staid figure who was committed to fighting poverty and drug abuse and promoting support for Cambodian refugees and protecting forests. Her vision for Thailand culminated in the founding of the SUPPORT Foundation, which promotes Thai craftsmanship and thereby strengthens local identities.
Sustainable initiatives and economic development
A notable example of their efforts is the breeding of sturgeon in Thailand, which results in the production of high-quality caviar. This idea came about as part of the “Baan Lek Nai Pa Yai (Small House in the Big Forest), Doi Kham” Royal Project and has proven to be a sustainable source of income for the highlanders in Chiang Mai. With support from Russia, local communities were able to successfully produce caviar, known as 'Silapacheep Caviar'. This product has gained national recognition and was even chosen as an ingredient for the welcome menu at the APEC 2022 Leaders’ Summit in Bangkok.
The foundation for this success was laid in 2002 with the breeding of rainbow trout at the Inthanon Royal Agricultural Station. This initiative proved to be an economic driver for the community and provided many families with a secure income. The first successful Caviar production was announced in 2016 by the SUPPORT Foundation, created under the watchful eye of the Queen Mother. This makes it clear how Sirikit's projects directly contribute to the economic stability and independence of the people of Thailand.
The Queen Mother's Legacy
Queen Sirikit will be remembered as a symbol of cultural preservation and social responsibility. Their programs to promote craftsmanship and sustainable agriculture have profound positive impacts on diverse economic sectors of interest to investors. These range from textiles and crafts to sustainable agriculture and tourism. The importance of their initiatives will become even clearer in the coming months and years as the country charts a course for the future while nurturing its cultural roots.
Her death comes as a deliberate shock to many who valued her decades-long efforts for the well-being of the Thai people. Sirikit's legacy as a pioneer of social development and economic initiatives will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of Thais and serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
In these difficult days, we remember the great Queen and her tireless commitment to our country.