The idea of the Thanatharee was originated in 1999 by two great minds who were genuinely interested in bringing foreign visitors into closer contact with the local Thai people. They took a rice barge, which was originally built in the late 40’s and for many years carried its cargoes down the Chao Phraya River from the rice-growing plains of Central Thailand to Bangkok, and converted it into a comfortable and delightful way of bringing enthusiastic minds into the river-studded rural heartland of Thailand. Live-aboard facilities such as a bedroom, bathrooms, and kitchen were fitted in keeping with our simple and environmentally-friendly concept.
Now over a decade, the Thanatharee has been carrying visitors through the same rice-growing plains to put them in touch with the ordinary people who live in Thailand’s rural heartland. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the day-to-day life of the farming and handicraft communities that dot the landscape; meeting the local people, the farmers, the artisans and school children and enjoying rewarding social interaction and cultural exchange. These communities are rarely visited by foreigners and they welcome the chance to meet people from faraway places and the children just love to try out their English. The local handicrafts always prove popular with visitors too and a little boost to the local economy is always welcome. So, when the Thanatharee makes a stop we make sure it is a rewarding and enriching experience for all with none of the negative effects that tourism can sometimes have on small communities. |
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