(February 14, 2025 – 9:00 AM) – In a scene reminiscent of Thailand’s agricultural past, Bangkok’s city officials and community members gathered at the Vichutit School Demonstration Rice Field in Din Daeng for a hands-on traditional rice harvesting ceremony. The event was led by Mr. Supakrit Boonkhant, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the BMA, joined by Mrs. Anong Phetthat, Bangkok Metropolitan Council Member for Din Daeng District, and Mrs. Chutisa Satsara, Director of Din Daeng District , along with executives, officials, educators, and school representatives.

Set against the backdrop of Vichutit School’s Leelawadee Building, this initiative isn’t just about tradition—it’s a living testament to the city’s commitment to urban farming and sustainable green spaces.

The event aligns with the “15-Minute Green Space” policy, a vision spearheaded by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, aiming to ensure that every resident has access to a public park or green space within a 15-minute walk (800 meters) of their home. Whether in the form of pocket parks, community gardens, or urban farms, these spaces serve as more than just greenery—they become hubs for community interaction, education, and local food production.

Din Daeng District has fully embraced this initiative, transforming Vichutit School’s agricultural learning center into Bangkok’s first urban farm under the 15-Minute Green Space model. Unlike conventional parks, this site is dedicated to agriculture, rice cultivation, and aquaculture, giving city dwellers a taste of traditional Thai farming in the heart of Bangkok.

The event marked the harvest of Pathum Thani 1 fragrant rice, a high-yield variety with characteristics similar to the renowned Jasmine Rice 105. Known for its resistance to brown planthoppers, white-backed planthoppers, rice blast disease, and bacterial leaf blight, the variety was sown on November 6, 2024, and has now reached full maturity, turning the field into a golden sea of ripened grain.

As scythes met stalks and rice bundles were gathered, the harvest served as a powerful reminder: Bangkok’s urban spaces are not just growing greenery—they’re cultivating community, sustainability, and a deep-rooted connection to Thailand’s agricultural heritage.

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