Royal Development Study Centers
In pursuit of his goal of sustainable development in rural Thailand His Majesty initiated the establishment of six Royal Development Study Centers (RDSCs) throughout the country. In these centers research is carried out to find development strategies suitable to the distinctive conditions of each region. The centers serve as “living natural museums” from which farmers can expand and apply their knowledge.
The six centers are Khao Hin Sorn in Chachoengsao province, founded in 1979; Kung Krabaen Bay in Chanthaburi province, founded in 1981; Pikun Thong in Narathiwat province founded in 1982; Puparn in Sakon Nakhon province, founded in 1982; Huai Hong Khrai in Chiang Mai province, founded in 1982; and Huai Sai in Phetchaburi province, founded in 1983. The aim of the centers is to solve problems for people in rural areas to allow them to have a better quality of life and be free from hardship while enabling them to become strong and self-reliant.
For more than 30 years, RDSCs have promoted the application of knowledge and technology that conforms to the principles of conservation and environmental protection. Another key requirement is that the methods used must be simple and easily applicable in order for the people to make a sustainable living according to their lifestyles.
The RDSCs stated objectives are, among others, to conduct study, research and experiments in search of modern agricultural techniques consistent with the topographical and social conditions of each particular area; to serve as centers for exchange of experiences among academics, development workers and the people; and to demonstrate current agricultural research projects in the form of a “living natural museum.”