“Economic development must be done step by step. It should begin with the strengthening of our economic foundation, by assuring that the majority if our population has enough to live on…Once reasonable progress has been achieved, we should then embark on the next steps, by pursuing more advanced levels of economic development.”
Modern development has caused changes in all aspects of Thai society. The positive impacts of the development are economic growth, progress of material and public utilities, modern communication systems, and improvement and expansion of education. However, few of these results have reached rural areas or the underprivileged in the society.
On the other hand, rapid economic growth and the rise of consumerism has led to a state of economic dependence and deterioration of natural resources as well as the dissolution of existing kinship and traditional groups to manage them. The traditional knowledge and wisdom that have been employed to solve problems and accumulated in the past are forgotten and have started to disappear.
How to lead a life in accordance with the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy
• Adhere to economizing by cutting down expenses in all aspects and forego extravagances in leading one’s life.
• Adhere to pursuing one’s occupation with decorum and honesty.
• Stop contending for beneficial gains and using harsh methods in commercial competition.
• Never cease to find a way to escape hardship by attempting to gain knowledge in order to increase one’s income to the point of sufficiency.
• Leading one’s life by following the good path, avoiding the bad, and adhering to religious principles.
The Risks and Impacts of Farming
• Price fluctuation of agricultural produce and commodities as a result of modern economic development
• Unproductive conditions such as dry spells and droughts
• Natural disasters such as flooding and epidemics
• The patterns of production such as plant diseases and pest problems, lack of manpower, debts, and loss of land
The New Theory suggests that farmers apply the essential principles of the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, namely moderation, due consideration and self-immunity to their practice of farming as this would shield them from the risks and impacts of globalization and other uncontrollable factors in their farming.
Farmland Division for Optimum Benefits
The first 30% is designated for a pond to store rainwater during the rainy season while during the dry season it serves to supply water to grow crops and raise aquatic animals and plants.
The second 30% is set aside for rice cultivation during the rainy season for the family’s daily consumption throughout the year to cut down on expenses and allow the farmers to be self-reliant.
The third 30% is used for growing fruit and perennial trees, vegetables, field crops and herbs for daily consumption. If there is any surplus, it will be sold.
The last 10% is set aside for accommodation, animal husbandry, roads and other structures.