More details on Royal Development Projects can be found at http://www.rdpb.go.th
Today, His Majesty is not just the Head of State, he has also become a key factor in the development of the country. One of the best-known development theories suggested by His Majesty is "the New Theory". Introduced many years ago, the New Theory involves land management and the development of water sources for agricultural purpose. Its formula is 30-30-30-10. Under the New Theory, a plot of land is divided into four portions, namely 30 percent for a water source, 30 percent for a rice field, 30 percent for mixed crops such as fruit trees and vegetables and 10 percent for residence, animal farms and rice barns
The New Theory has several advantages. It is uncomplicated, easily implemented, and does not involve costly technology. It has been tried and tested, and has produced satisfactory results. Farmers who have followed this theory have become self-sufficient and self-reliant.
All Thais come to understand the word "self-sufficient" after His Majesty the king suggested a self-sufficient economy as a way to pull Thailand out of the economic crisis that erupted in 1997. The important idea of a self-sufficient economy is that the Thais should live a life that leaves them enough to eat, while they rely on their own economy. With rich and fertile land suitable for food crops, Thailand should conduct research and development on soil and crop improvement. People should produce enough for their own consumption first. His Majesty the King has suggested Government spend part of its budget on land development for people to establish self-sufficient farms. People are encouraged to apply the New Theory on land management and development of water sources for agricultural purposes. When there is a surplus in productivity, more exports will be seen, and a higher economic growth will return.
His Majesty the King's suggestion on the self-sufficient economy aims to encourage people to help themselves and strengthen communities through public participation. The idea places emphasis on basic economic development to be carried out step by step. People will greatly benefit from the development process, which is set to respond to their immediate economic demands and enable them to get through the crisis. This new development trend is beginning to lay down firm foundations for all of Thailand.