This paper explores the trends of the development process in Thailand and their impact on natural resources and the environment. It highlights the current attempts to achieve sustainable development by introducing a shift of conceptual thinking or guiding principles on development and administration. The new concept of modernization is still in line with the forces of globalization while protecting both the community and the nation from the adverse impact arising from various types of changes. The philosophy of the "Sufficiency Economy" (SE), graciously formulated by His Majesty the King is a holistic concept of moderation in consumption and production, while acknowledging interdependency among people as well as between humanity and nature. The SE calls for balanced and sustainable development as its objective.