History

From a Royal Initiative to a National Institution

The Highland Research and Development Institute (Public Organization) (HRDI) was established to extend the vision and achievements of Thailand's Royal Project, ensuring that its successful approach to sustainable highland development could benefit communities beyond the original Royal Project operational areas.

Established by Royal Decree on 15 October 2005, HRDI serves as Thailand's principal public organisation dedicated to research and development for sustainable highland development. The Institute was founded to integrate research, innovation, knowledge management, and community development in addressing the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges of Thailand's highlands.

Building upon decades of experience under the Royal Project, HRDI continues to transform research into practical solutions that improve livelihoods, conserve natural resources, strengthen local economies, and support evidence-based policymaking.

Building on the Royal Project Legacy

HRDI was created not to replace the Royal Project, but to expand its successful development philosophy and apply its principles more broadly across Thailand's highland communities.

The Institute carries forward the Royal Project Model by integrating scientific research, technological innovation, community participation, and sustainable natural resource management into practical development programmes. This approach enables HRDI to respond to evolving challenges while remaining firmly grounded in the vision of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.

Today, the Royal Project Model continues to guide HRDI's work in promoting sustainable agriculture, improving rural livelihoods, conserving forests and watersheds, and strengthening the resilience of highland communities.

Expanding Our Mission

As Thailand's development priorities evolved, so too did HRDI's responsibilities.

In 2009, the Royal Decree establishing HRDI was amended to broaden the Institute's mandate, including responsibility for the management and development of the former Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 exposition site. The site was subsequently granted the royal name Royal Park Rajapruek, reflecting its role as a national centre for horticultural excellence, environmental education, botanical conservation, and lifelong learning.

In 2016, the former Royal Project Extension Project was officially renamed the Highland Development Project Using the Royal Project System, reaffirming the continued application of the Royal Project Model as a national approach to sustainable highland development.

These milestones strengthened HRDI's role as the country's leading institution for integrating research, innovation, conservation, and community development.

HRDI Today

Today, HRDI works across Thailand's highlands to generate knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and strengthen the resilience of communities and ecosystems.

The Institute brings together multidisciplinary expertise in agriculture, natural resource management, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, socio-economic development, digital technologies, and knowledge management to address increasingly complex development challenges.

Working in partnership with government agencies, academic institutions, local communities, civil society organisations, the private sector, and international partners, HRDI promotes collaborative approaches that create lasting benefits for both people and the environment.

HRDI advances sustainable highland development through research, innovation, policy support, and international cooperation, while also helping Thailand meet its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other global development frameworks.

Milestones

Our Continuing Journey

Over the past two decades, HRDI has evolved from an organisation established to extend the achievements of the Royal Project into a national centre of excellence for sustainable highland development.

Looking ahead, the Institute remains committed to generating knowledge, fostering innovation, empowering communities, and strengthening partnerships to address emerging global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security, and inclusive rural development.

Guided by the enduring principles of the Royal Project Model, HRDI continues to work towards a future where highland communities thrive in harmony with nature.

Related Pages

• Thailand's Royal Project
• Mission and Vision
• Organisation
• Executive
• Our Partnerships