The King’s barami has been strengthened through his concern for his people’s well-being. He has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the Thais particularly those in rural areas. Political problems and crises have not distracted the King from his commitment to promote the well being of the Thai people. He saw the need for rural development before the introduction of the first economic and social development plan in 1961. His first rural development program began in 1952 when he launched a project to build the Huai Mong-Kol road in Hua Hin district, Prachuab province. Then, he initiated rural development projects that have been spread out all over the country. These included land allotments for farmers, rice and buffalo banks and agricultural cooperatives. The King established several experimental programs on padi-growing, animal husbandry, the production of new rice seeds and a dairy industry. He played a significant role in encouraging hill tribes in the North to stop deforestation and to substitute other crops for the opium poppy. Several irrigation projects were suggested by him to help farmers in barren areas and to prevent flooding. Recently, he introduced the philosophy of a sufficiency economy in order to sustain the country’s economic development. Together with the prestige and traditional continuity of the monarchy, the King’s contribution to the welfare and well-being of the people has strengthened the bond between the monarch and his subjects and reinforced his role of Head of State and Dharmaraja.