Social benefits
The royal initiatives and contributions to utilize vetiver grass to prevent soil erosion were internationally recognized. On the 25th of February 1993, the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) presented the International Merit Award to His Majesty for assuming the exemplary role in the promotion of vetiver grass for soil and water conservation. The overall achievement from the experimentation and cultivation of vetiver grass in Thailand has been publicized worldwide. With agriculture being the backbone occupation in the Thai society, His Majesty understood the significant of the preservation and the fertility of natural resources. The King therefore aimed at mitigating soil erosion and environmental deterioration in the country in order to increase the happiness and well-being to his subjects.