The 10^th National Economic and Social Development Plan still focuses on the “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy as guidance for the development of Thailand in the next five years. The main principle of this plan is to create balance and sustainability in all areas of national development.

The Cabinet on 12 September 2006 approved the 10^th National Development Plan, to be implemented from the 2007 to 2011 fiscal years. Initiated by His Majesty the King, the Sufficiency Economy philosophy means moderation, reasonableness, and having a healthy “immune system” to protect each level of society against any impact caused by external and internal changes. Thailand suffered a great deal from the 1997 economic crisis and the bursting of the economy. In his address to well-wishers in an audience on 4 December 1997, His Majesty insisted that people’s approach to livelihood, trade, and consumption must be changed into a sustainable type for people to have enough to live on and to be relatively self-supporting. Even before the 1997 economic crisis, His Majesty began promoting the Sufficiency Economy philosophy.

The philosophy points the way for recovery and places emphasis on basic economic development to be carried out step by step, based on appropriate conduct in every aspect of life, in order to maintain sustainability. His Majesty’s vision of development has guided Thailand in a sustainable direction. It serves as insurance against the volatility of the world economy. At least, the weak and the vulnerable will have some protection, as everyone is encouraged to live within their means without extravagance.

In the Ninth National Economic and Social Development Plan, 2002 to 2006, the Sufficiency Economy philosophy was adopted as the guideline for national development and administration, together with the “people-centered approach.” According to a report prepared by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, during the period of the 10^th National Development Plan, Thailand is likely to face many changes in several contexts. So the country has to be prepared for new challenges and impacts by strengthening its immune system.

The 10^th National Development Plan also continues to emphasize people as the center of development objectives, as stated in the eighth and ninth development plans. The vision is that Thailand will strive to become a “green and happiness society” under the democratic administration with His Majesty the King as Head of State. In order to achieve this vision, guidelines for the Sufficiency Economy philosophy will be adopted as the mission of the plan.

The mission consists of four major principles. The first principle seeks to develop people into quality citizens with both virtue and knowledge. In the second guideline, the Thai economy will be strengthened to create more stability and fairness. The third one seeks to maintain the country’s biodiversity, while strengthening the natural resource base and enhancing environmental quality. The fourth principle calls for good governance in national administration.

Five development strategies are included in the 10^th National Economic and Social Development Plan. The first strategy seeks to develop Thai society into a knowledge-based society, and the potential of Thai people will be enhanced to enable them to keep pace with the changing world. It focuses on a peaceful society and maintaining the Thai identity. This strategy will also prepare for demographic changes resulting from the growing number of older persons.

In the second strategy, community empowerment will receive greater attention in order to establish firm foundations for the country. Emphasis will also be placed on social justice, while promoting processes of learning and maintaining cultural diversity and Thai wisdom. Community economy will be stabilized and poverty will be eased.

The third strategy calls for economic restructuring to create equilibrium and competitiveness during this “Asian century.” In this regard, the Thai economy will be strengthened, with less dependence on external factors. The country’s infrastructure, logistics, and energy will be developed together with the production sector.

In the fourth strategy, Thailand will be developed on the basis of biodiversity. Communities will be allowed to play a greater role in natural resource management. Environment-friendly production and services will get a major boost.

The fifth strategy calls for the decentralization of administrative power and distribution of resources to the regional areas of the country. It also focuses on creating a culture of democracy and encouraging people to participate more in national development.

His Majesty the King has been advocating the “Sufficiency Economy” development concept for a long time, as reflected in his speeches. The concept is gaining prominence, and calls have been made for applying insights from His Majesty’s speeches to national development and for promoting this concept seriously.

President of the Privy Council and Statesman General Prem Tinsulanonda urged all sides to pay greater attention to His Majesty’s words, as they are useful in the solving of economic, political, and social problems. General Prem made the call in his address at the seminar, “The Creation of a Learning Society in Accordance with His Majesty’s Initiatives and Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.” Organized by the Foundation for International Human Resource Development, the seminar took place on 6 June 2006 at the Chulabhorn Research Institute in Bangkok.

In his address, General Prem quoted United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan as saying that His Majesty’s development agenda and visionary thinking are an inspiration to his subjects and to people everywhere. The Secretary-General paid a visit to Thailand in May 2006 to present the United Nations Development Program’s inaugural Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to His Majesty the King.

General Prem pointed out that what Mr. Annan had said was proof that the Sufficiency Economy concept is a modern development trend and that it is always appropriate. Everyone knows that one of the major problems faced by Thailand is poverty. He believes that the Sufficiency Economy philosophy is an effective way to help ease the poverty problem. His Majesty’s speeches provide good answers to all problems. They are full of wisdom and will be useful for Thais, if put into action.

In another statement, to the high-level panel “His Majesty the King and Human Development,” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok on 26 May 2006, General Prem said, “To me, therefore, the story of His Majesty’s lifelong work is very much a story of promoting human development. Sixty years ago, at His Majesty’s coronation in 1946, His Majesty articulated his overriding goal: ‘We shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people.’ Those words encapsulate the commitment of His Majesty to placing the people of Thailand at the very heart of His reign and at the center of his initiatives.

“Throughout the six decades since then, these words of commitment have been reflected in deeds. His Majesty has visited every province of the Kingdom to learn first hand the challenges facing the people and to help. I still recall the pioneering visit made by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand to the impoverished Northeast in 1955. Over the course of 22 arduous days, the Royal Couple visited villages and cities, talking to ordinary people and civil servants, learning of their problems and concerns. Since then, such visits have become a regular feature of his reign. Countless royal initiatives followed to bring development to people in the most remote corners of the Kingdom. The Chaipattana Foundation was established to provide initial financial support for development projects. The Royal Project introduced crop substitution to the tribal people living along Thailand’s borders with Laos and Myanmar. His Majesty’s development learning centers served as venues for experimentation with new crops that would enable farmers to enjoy more productive crop yield. In all of these initiatives, the focus has always been on what the people need.

In His Majesty’s words, ‘In working out a program, to help people, it is necessary to know the people that you intend to help.’ I wish to reflect on what I see are His Majesty’s key guiding principles imparted to the Thai people in pursuing their lives and development.

“First, His Majesty has always emphasized the importance of moderation in pursuing one’s life. The ‘Middle Path,’ when practiced at the level of individuals, families, and communities, as well as collectively in pursuing a balanced national development strategy, will provide a firm foundation to face the challenges of today’s globalized world. It is reflected in His Majesty’s ‘Sufficiency Economy’ which, though practiced for a long time, gained prominence in the aftermath of the 1997 financial crisis. Sufficiency Economy involves applying moderation in all human endeavors. It lessens our appetite for wealth and wasteful consumption. It does not advocate isolationism but facilitates smoother integration into the global economy. And it helps strengthen the moral fiber of the nation by promoting honesty and integrity.

“Second, there is a need for people to have perseverance to face hardships and suffering. Whatever challenge to human security that an individual faces, it can be overcome. But one needs to work hard. This applies to development. There is no quick fix for any problem, no easy way to get at a solution. We need to rely on ourselves first. Lord Buddha once taught over two millennia ago that ‘Thou art thine own refuge.’ That is why His Majesty’s royal initiatives have been oriented to ‘helping people to help themselves.’

“Third, people should maintain their individuality — in identifying problems and in choosing solutions. It presupposes freedom of choice for the individual. But it also suggests that choices be made wisely. This requires that people have a keen sense of awareness. At the same time, people should be willing to make sacrifices to help the community, village, or country, to contribute to the common good. We can have both. His Majesty once said, ‘To act for the common good does not mean that everyone must make sacrifice what can be sacrificed in order for the whole to survive.’

“And fourth, people should cherish the sense of being Thai. We are an old nation of rich cultural heritage and a wealth of collective wisdom accumulated over many generations. The Thai people should not only be proud of this — they should seek to make use of this local knowledge in earning their living. Knowledge from the outside world is also important. Nevertheless, His Majesty urges prudence in the application of knowledge, from whatever source. We should be more selective in what we seek to embrace.

“His Majesty has been called a Working Monarch by some, a Development King by others. But in the center of his heart lies the people of Thailand. That is why our beloved monarch, the Soul of the Nation, has always been and will always be the leading force for human development in this country.”

His Majesty the King has adopted the principle of simplicity based on the laws of nature and a self-supporting economy. His philosophy of “Sufficiency Economy” has become a major inspiration, which provides the people with a proper way to lead their lives and improve their livelihood.

Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul said His Majesty had remarked that people today consumed an excessive amount of natural resources. If this situation continued, it would be difficult for future generations to survive. Dr. Sumet quoted His Majesty as urging people not to destroy nature, as they would be severely affected by natural destruction, as seen from frequent natural disasters taking place in various parts of the world.

He said that simplicity and self-sufficiency have been found in most projects initiated by His Majesty the King. For example, in replanting forests, His Majesty instructed the growing of three types of wood. The first one is hardwood for building houses and making tools. The second type involves trees with edible fruit for food production.

The last one is fuel wood, which includes mainly fast-growing trees. He has also encouraged the growing of herbal plants.

According to Dr. Sumet, His Majesty the King has suggested that Thai people turn to Sufficiency Economy to achieve equitable and stable development, which is often referred to as sustainable development. Sufficiency Economy means having enough to survive and to lead a reasonably comfortable life without extravagance. This concept will help improve the welfare of the people and their quality of life. In the past, the United Nations measured the prosperity of a country in monetary terms, but today emphasis is placed on the people’s quality of life.

Numerous speeches delivered by His Majesty the King have urged the people to use wisdom in developing the country. He once said that it was highly important to encourage and help people earn their living and support themselves with adequate means, because those who were gainfully employed and self-supporting would be capable of contributing positively to higher levels of development.

Dr. Sumet also said that economic growth offers a good opportunity for only a small group of people, if no emphasis is placed on income distribution. The country’s early economic and social development plans followed foreign patterns and focused mainly on gaining profits and bringing in earnings, without taking into account income distribution for the nation as a whole.

It is time now for Thailand to stand on its own feet and use His Majesty’s speeches as a guiding light in their lives. He said that competition in development might lead to battles for natural resources, such as a fight for energy or water. The darkness of globalization would be evident and cause troubles, if people did not stop taking excessively from others.

He added that the Sufficiency Economy philosophy, initiated by His Majesty, should be an alternative development path for Thai people, who must adopt it without the fear of falling off the global train. He saw no use in catching a train that might take people to their own destruction.

The Sufficiency Economy concept is connected with His Majesty’s “New Theory” in agriculture. Its essence is efficient management in land use, aimed at maximizing benefits for farmers from small plots of land, while supplying them with enough water to last the entire year. The recommended method is for farmers to divide their land into four different sections. Each would have different purpose. The first 30 percent would be a pond to store seasonal rain. The second 30 percent would be for rice growing to meet the family’s consumption needs. The third 30 percent would be to grow other crops for consumption and a source of income. The last 10 percent would be for building a home, animal pens, and a rice barn.

His Majesty once said that he had devised the New Theory so that people would be in a position of self-sufficiency in agriculture. In 1989, he authorized the Chaipattana Foundation to buy a plot of land surrounding Wat Mongkhol Chai Pattana in Saraburi Province to serve as a demonstration center, where people could learn this theory and try it out.

In this regard, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn explained that the origin of His Majesty the King’s New Theory was another good example for conservation and management of biodiversity and other available natural resources, to enhance food security. The explanation was given in her address at the Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific on 18 October 2004. She said that the main purpose of this theory is to help small landholders to increase farm income and food production through the appropriate division and utilization of land. In their farmland, these small landholders are encouraged to grow a range of crops, such as rice and horticultural plants. The New Theory also calls for the establishment of farm ponds for rainwater harvesting for dry season crops and for fishery promotion.

The Princess said that after the successful establishment of the demonstration center at Wat Mongkhol Chai Pattana, farmers in all parts of the country have adopted this technique and have shown promising results. In all these tasks, His Majesty the King has promoted environmentally friendly techniques and efficient management of local resources to increase agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

Members of the press have been thanked for helping publicize the “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy more widely among the people. Director-General of the Bureau of the Crown Property Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said that Sufficiency Economy had received greater attention since 9 June 2006, which was considered one of the most joyful days of the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’ s Accession to the Throne.

Mr. Chirayu spoke about the Sufficiency Economy concept in his keynote address on the topic “Following in His Majesty the King’s Footsteps” at a seminar marking the ninth anniversary of the Press Council of Thailand on 4 July 2006. He said that, with media reports, Thai people knew that they had made His Majesty the King happy on June 9, when they showed a deep sense of love and respect for him in one of the largest public gatherings in Bangkok. On that day, His Majesty appeared on the balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to greet crowds of well-wishers outside.

Mr. Chirayu said that many people wanted this deep feeling they shared during the celebrations to remain forever in their hearts and minds. In order to keep this feeling, he suggested that Thai people follow in the footsteps of His Majesty, who serves as a role model for everyone. His Majesty is an inspiration to all, and if people respond to his suggestions, Mr. Chirayu believes that Thai society will improve at all levels.

He urged people to adopt the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy in leading their life and developing the nation at the macro level. Since 1999, this concept has been accepted widely, because the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) incorporated this philosophy into the Ninth National Economic and Social Development Plan.

Because of the strong tide of globalization, there is growing concern that the concept may be forgotten. So in 2003, NESDB formed a subcommittee to promote Sufficiency Economy. The move has broadened people’s understanding about it. Implementing the principles of Sufficiency Economy means moderation, economizing, rationalization, and the creation of “social immunity” for the people. Mr. Chirayu stressed that the philosophy is an appropriate model for conduct in every aspect of life, and it could also be applied at the individual and national levels.

He said it is hoped that by 5 December 2007, the Sufficiency Economy philosophy will be translated into action on a wide scale, as a tribute to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 80^th birthday anniversary. At the international level, this concept has been well recognized by the United Nations, as shown by the conferring of the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award on His Majesty on 26 May 2006 by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

In his remarks at the International Buddhist Conference in celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok in May 2006, Mr. Chirayu explained that the essence of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy comprises three main elements, namely moderation, knowledge, and resilience against uncertainties. “Practicing these three elements in your life, guided by the Buddhist values of integrity, honesty, perseverance and sharing with your community, can make your life become better step by step in a sustainable way,” he said.

The “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy advocated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is based on the Buddhist principles of self-reliance, contentment, moderation, and the Middle Path. These are the principles of Buddhist economics.

The Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Professor Phra Dharmakosajarn, wrote about Sufficiency Economy and Buddhist principles in his article “Self-Sufficiency Economy as Advocated by His Majesty the King.” The article is part of the book A Buddhist Worldview, comprising papers written by Phra Dharmakosajarn on different occasions and for different audiences.

It says that, in order to fight against hunger and poverty, the Buddha gave a set of teachings, which have become a guideline for Buddhist economics. Following the Buddha’s teachings on economic issues, His Majesty the King delivered a royal speech on the self-sufficiency economy to the entire nation in December 1997. Since then, the principles of the self-sufficiency economy have been followed by various agencies in Thailand to rescue the country from the economic crisis.

His Majesty elaborated on the meaning of the word “self-sufficiency” by saying that it means having enough to live on and to live for. He explained further by contrasting his concept of self-sufficiency with the meaning of the word “self-sufficiency” in English.

“Self-sufficiency in English means that whatever we produce, we have enough for our own use. We do not have to borrow from other people. We can rely on ourselves; as people say, ‘we can stand on our own two legs.’ But self-sufficiency carries a broader meaning. It means having enough and being satisfied with the situation. If people are satisfied with their needs, they will be less greedy. With less greed, they will cause less trouble to other people. If any country values this idea — the idea of doing what is necessary just to have enough, being satisfied at a moderate level, being honest, and not being greedy — its people will be happy.

“Self-sufficiency does not restrict people from having much, or from possessing luxurious items, but it implies that one must not take advantage of others. Everything must be within its limits. Saying what is necessary, acting just as needed, and working adequately.”

His Majesty the King’s advocacy of a self-sufficiency economy encourages the Buddhist communities in Thailand to return to the main values of Buddhism and to realize that economic recovery for the country is to be obtained through the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings on economic issues. By advocating a self-sufficiency economy, His Majesty has shown to Buddhist communities that Buddhism can be relevant to the world today. Moreover, His Majesty has done a great service for the propagation of Buddhism by translating the Mahajanaka Jataka into Thai and English, with some modifications to suit contemporary society. The translation was completed in 1988 and published in 1996. The book is a bestseller and has become very popular in Thailand.

In The Story of Mahajanaka, the Buddhist value of perseverance is emphasized. According to the story, King Mahajanaka practices ultimate perseverance without the desire for reward, which results in his gaining a throne and bringing prosperity and wealth to his kingdom. The publication of The Story of Mahajanaka was timely, as it encouraged the Thai people to endure the economic crisis and strive for the economic recovery through “pure perseverance, sharp wisdom, and complete physical health.”

His Majesty’s advocacy of self-sufficiency economy and his translation of The Story of Mahajanaka have indicated that Buddhism can be relevant to the world today, if Buddhists study the basics of the Buddha’s teachings and interpret them with modifications to suit contemporary society. His Majesty has represented Buddhism as a form of religious teaching and practice that provides a basis for social, political, and economic life in the modern world.

The Ministry of Interior has carried out a project to establish “Sufficiency Economy” model villages in 75 provinces to solve social and poverty problems in an integrated manner.

The project is meant to honor His Majesty the King on the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of his accession to the throne. His Majesty’s Sufficiency Economy concept has received increasing attention, not only in Thailand but also in the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in May 2006 that His Majesty’s Sufficiency Economy philosophy is of great relevance to communities everywhere during these times of rapid globalization.

His Majesty the King emphasized in his royal addresses and speeches on various occasions development guidelines based on sufficiency, moderation, economizing, rationalization, and the creation of “social immunity” for the people.

In response to this concept, the Ministry of Interior has formed a committee to select one village as a Sufficiency Economy model in each province. The proposed village will show other villages how to translate the Sufficiency Economy philosophy into action. The objective of the project is to enhance community empowerment.

A target has been set to create 5,000 Sufficiency Economy model villages in 2006. A model village must be able to reduce expenses and increase income and savings. Local people must set a good example in pursuing their lives, preserving natural resources and the environment, and showing care for others.

Provincial governors have been instructed to use the Sufficiency Economy model village as the center for knowledge sharing among local people. The project is intended to lead communities in Thailand toward sustainable development. With the application of this concept at the grassroots level, many farmers have found a new sense of empowerment, since they have become more self-reliant and increased their ability to contribute to sustainable development.

Ban Bang Saphan in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat is among the Sufficiency Economy model villages, selected by the Department of Community Development, Ministry of Interior. The head of this village said that Ban Bang Saphan was very poor in recent years. Since their rice production was low because their farms were affected by saltwater, many local villagers turned to shrimp farming. But they suffered losses when shrimp prices fell, and, to make matters worse, the quality of their soil had declined. Since applying the Sufficiency Economy philosophy, however, villagers found that their living and environmental conditions have improved. Local people have also shared knowledge and assisted one another in ways that have improved the community and the people.

In another development, a number of learning centers for the Sufficiency Economy philosophy have been established in all regions of the country. In the southern border province of Pattani, a Sufficiency Economy center project was launched at Ban Phru Chut, Khuan Nori Subdistrict, in Khok Pho District.

The local people joined hands in setting up the Ban Phru Chut learning center as a peaceful community to handle the southern unrest. The project is meant to show their love and unity and their efforts to counter violence in southern border provinces, which, apart from Pattani, also include Yala and Narathiwat.

Local government agencies are attaching great importance to this center to help develop and empower the local community. At the initial stage, the Southern Border Provinces Peace-Building Command financed the setting up of the learning center, which consists of a multi-purpose building. Later, the National Housing Authority constructed a school building, a sport ground, and a plant-nursing structure for demonstration.

Inside the center is an agricultural demonstration plot for women and youth groups to learn about proper cultivation. Major crops grown in this plot are rubber, watermelon, dugu (or long-gong), and other kinds of fruit and vegetables. Bio-fertilizers have been used, instead of chemicals, to increase productivity and for pest control. This method of farming is expected to increase rubber output by twofold or threefold in the future.

Similar projects have been launched in several areas in the South, such as those in Raman District, Yala Province, Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province, and Mueang District, Narathiwat Province.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Defense are joining forces in promoting Sufficiency Economy learning centers to spread proper knowledge to the people, especially young ones, about His Majesty the King’s concept of Sufficiency Economy. The demonstration plot at each center is based on the “New Theory,” initiated by His Majesty. The New Theory puts high priority on human resource development under the principle of people-centered development by means of empowerment by and for the people. His Majesty explained that Sufficiency Economy means having enough to live on and to live for. It would create “social immunity” for the majority of Thais, who are in the farm sector.

Sufficiency Economy learning centers have become models for organizing various learning activities to create unity among local people.

Business management based on His Majesty the King’s “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy will promote cooperation among businesses for balanced and sustainable growth of the entire economic system.

Sufficiency Economy is a major concept in the 10^th National Economic and Social Development Plan, 2007 to 2011. His Majesty the King had been expressing the Sufficiency Economy philosophy as a guideline for Thai people to lead their lives in speeches more than 25 years before the 1997 economic crisis. Even after the crisis, he emphasized this way to get through it in order to maintain a stable and durable existence.

Sufficiency Economy stresses the “Middle Way” in every aspect of life and applies to conduct and way of life at all levels. But the question arises as to how much the Sufficiency Economy philosophy can be applied to private businesses, which, as everyone knows, focus on making as much profit as possible. In order to get a clear answer to this question, the Subcommittee on the Sufficiency Economy Drive, under the National Economic and Social Development Board, has conducted a study on the application of this philosophy to four different private businesses.

These businesses include a community business, a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), a registered company, and a large industrial group. Results of the study show that the Sufficiency Economy concept can be applied to business operation and management. The objective is to gain profits in the long term instead of the short term.

According to the study, a private company adopting this concept usually emphasizes production for certain groups of customers, rather than for general clients. It will accept orders for goods in accordance with its capacity, in order to maintain the quality of products. This company makes profits on a sharing basis and it does not exploit its customers. It places importance on long-term partnerships to create confidence and trust and on prompt payment to staff and suppliers. Part of its profits will be set aside for knowledge development and social activities.

The company will expand its business step by step. When it has enough profits, it will no longer seek loans. This type of company focuses on the field of business in which it has expertise and maintains the balance of its debt and capital at an appropriate level. With good understanding about its core competency and key success factors, this company is flexible in presenting its products in response to the demands of each group of customers in various periods of time. Moreover, a company based on Sufficiency Economy uses materials in the production process with great efficiency. It diversifies both products and markets to reduce risks and increase savings. It is honest to customers and develops the quality of products on a continual basis.

Sufficiency Economy will help businesses gain benefits in the long run and protect them against adverse impacts and risks.

In other news, many countries are interested in His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy philosophy and have sought to observe development projects based on this concept in Thailand.

On the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized two study tours for senior officials from 29 countries to observe Sufficiency Economy as an alternative development direction. Participating in the study tour from 16 to 20 June 2006 were officials from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Colombia, China, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, South Korea, Madagascar, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, and Vietnam. The tour took them to the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center and the Royal Project in Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, Kung Kraben Bay Royal Development Study Center in Chanthaburi, and an organic farm in Chon Buri.

The second study tour took place from 24 to 28 July 2006, with participants from Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Gambia, Guatemala, Laos, Mali, Nepal, Senegal, and Timor-Leste. It took them to the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center in Phetchaburi, Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri, and Wat Mongkhol Chai Pattana in Saraburi.

The philosophy of “Sufficiency Economy,” advocated by His Majesty the King, will be a field of study at the Faculty of Humanities, Ramkhamhaeng University, in Bangkok.

The Vice Rector for Administrative Affairs, Associate Professor Kim Chaisaensook, said that the Ramkhamhaeng University Council had recently approved a liberal arts curriculum in the field of Sufficiency

Economy. Both short-term training and courses for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in this field will be opened. The objective is to produce graduates equipped with proper knowledge to help publicize guidelines for leading a life of Sufficiency Economy among the people and various public and private organizations.

This field of study will also be included as a compulsory course for all students. The curriculum is being worked out by experts in this field, especially those from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Thailand Development Research Institute, and the Chaipattana Foundation under the patronage of His Majesty the King. When completed, it will be submitted to His Majesty for granting permission for the teaching of this curriculum.

According to Associate Professor Kim, this field of study is in response to His Majesty’s initiative concerning Sufficiency Economy, on the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne in 2006. It will also promote and support the application of this philosophy for the benefit of all sectors of society.

He pointed out that many people do not have proper understanding about Sufficiency Economy. Some think that the Sufficiency Economy philosophy means going backwards and is involved only in farming. In fact, the concept is related to conduct of every aspect of life, ranging from the family to the government levels, and it can include the agricultural and industrial sectors.

The content of the Sufficiency Economy curriculum will focus on improving knowledge about this concept, and ways that people of all professions and in all walks of life can translate it into action. Associate Professor Kim said that the Sufficiency Economy philosophy is the Eastern way of thinking. It is prominent in its introduction of sustainable development, which can be applied to various organizations at all levels.

This new course will be integrated with other fields of study, such as political science, administration, and economics. In the initial stage, it will be opened as a basic course for undergraduates and short-term training for interested persons. Later, programs in this philosophy will be fully developed and opened for a bachelor’s degree and at the graduate level.