CSR Project

Ban Laem community is a cultural tourism destination on the bank of the Suphan River, or Tha Chin River. Visitors can follow the route of King Rama V's visit and enjoy the local lifestyle closely tied to the river. Visitors can also witness a unique tradition to the central region's western area: the boat procession of Buddha images accompanied by music and alms-giving in the middle of the river. Interesting activities include visiting riverside temples, touring integrated farming based on the sufficiency economy philosophy, weaving water hyacinth into carp-shaped decorations, sipping fragrant pandan tea by the Suphan River, boating, and visiting century-old Thai-style homestays. The community has received the Kinnari Award for Thai Tourism Industry in the Community Tourism category, the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Standard, and certifications for Thai-standard riverside homestays and tour boats.

The bank is committed to being a part of economic development and generating income for communities. With changing tourist behaviors, beyond relaxation and family visits, activities now include "sightseeing, tasting, and shopping." A key current behavior is experiencing unique local flavors using ingredients from within the community to add value to menu items, created by renowned chefs. Eating local food is also considered environmentally friendly as it helps reduce gas emissions from food transportation, or food miles. These dishes give memorable travel experiences and attract tourists to the area, generating income for the community. The bank also organizes financial literacy activities to help develop the community sustainably.

Tamnong Khimhan (Roasted Rice Tea): A tea made with perfectly roasted rice husks which increases appetite, quenches thirst, and complements spicy Thai dishes. Suphan Buri is a major producer of RD43 rice, known for its moderate to low glycemic index, providing long-lasting satiety without causing blood sugar spikes. Incorporating local rice into every part of the meal also elevates the status of Thai rice.

Menu name meaning: Tamnong means rhythm and Khimhan means summer. The practice of drinking iced tea to cool down, and the rhythm of water movement when scooping or pouring into a glass inspired the name "Rhythm of Summer."

Yum Suphan Matcha (Gourami Fish Salad): A starter similar to Thai yum (spicy salad) with papaya as the main ingredient. Gourami fish is used to enhance the intense flavor of the dressing and make the presentation more contemporary. Customers are encouraged to pour the dressing themselves.

Menu name meaning: Suphan Matcha is a half-human half-fish fictional character from Ramayana. It is a reference to the main ingredient, gourami fish, which is also one of the specialties of Suphan Buri.

Kung Yang Sonthaya (Grilled Prawns with Sour Curry Sauce, Served with Crispy Flowers): This dish is the main course showcasing the abundance of ingredients from Suphan Buri. Sour curry pairs well with freshwater prawns, balancing spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors, with potential for international popularity.

Menu name meaning: Sonthaya means dusk. The orange color of the sour curry sauce is like the color of the sky at dusk.

Pla Ma Atsadong (Fried Pla Ma Fish with Chu Chee Curry Sauce and Pickled Sesbania Flowers): Pla Ma is renowned freshwater fish of Suphan Buri. In this dish, it is deep fried until crispy and served with colorful Chu Chee curry sauce. It has a balanced flavor with pickled sesbania flowers as a side.

Menu name meaning: The color of this dish resembles the sunset, which is the meaning of Atsadong.

Chom Sattabut (Pandan Custard with Salted Egg Yolk Topping): This is a dessert standing at the intersection between international style and local ingredients like salted egg yolk. The custard is sweetened with brown sugar.

Menu name meaning: Sattabut refers to green lotus. The name of this dish was inspired by lotus flowers seen while boating on the Suphan Buri River.

Mekha Loi Long (Sali Cake with Khanom Krok Topping): A dessert featuring Suphan Buri's famous Sali cake, enhanced with shredded coconut to add fragrance and richness.

Menu name meaning: Mekha means cloud. The soft, fluffy texture of the special Sali cake from Baan Suan Phaen Din Mae feels like touching clouds when eaten.