The Land Development Department is organizing an event to mark World Soil Day in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) who was recognized as a Humanitarian Soil Scientist for his untiring efforts in the promotion of soil science and soil resource conservation and sustainable management.

The event, scheduled for 5-9 December 2025 at the Land Development Department, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, is held under the theme “Healthy soils for healthy cities.” It focuses on an exhibition featuring King Rama IX’s ingenuity in soil development and environmental management, and other living exhibitions on a demonstration farm, techniques of growing organic vegetables on raised garden beds and in a rooftop garden, organic fertilizers, and proper garbage management. 

The event also includes workshops, demonstrations, and discussions on soil and water management for sustainable agriculture by both Thai and international experts.

The Chairman of the International Union of Soil Sciences, Dr. Stephen Northcliff, in his audience with King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 16 April 2013, presented the Humanitarian Soil Scientist award to the King honoring him as the first recipient of the award in the world for his dedication to soil resource management.

The United Nations General Assembly on 20 December 2013 designated 5 December World Soil Day to acknowledge the lifelong contributions made by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great to improving the quality of millions of lives through sustainable soil management. 

The objective of this international observance on 5 December, which is the birthday of King Rama IX, is to promote and raise awareness of the importance of soils toward agriculture development, nutrition and food security at the national and international levels to address the challenges of continued world population growth.

Later in 2018, Thailand established the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award to recognize individuals or institutions for organizing impactful World Soil Day (WSD) celebrations. The award consists of USD 15 000 prize, a medal, and a trip to Thailand, on 5 December. The winner of the Award will be announced during the annual WSD celebration, organized by Thailand.  

Former winners of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award include Practical Action in Bangladesh in 2018, the Costa Rican Soil Science Society (AACS) in 2019, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2020, the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS) in 2021, the Institute of Geology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (IGI-UNAM) in 2022 and the Soil and Fertilizer Society of Thailand (SFST) in 2023, and the Water and Soil Department of the Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in 2024.

Source: PRD Thailand

https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/44/iid/451311