All Thais come to understand the word "self-sufficient" after His Majesty the king suggested a self-sufficient economy as a way to pull Thailand out of the economic crisis that erupted in 1997. The important idea of a self-sufficient economy is that the Thais should live a life that leaves them enough to eat, while they rely on their own economy. With rich and fertile land suitable for food crops, Thailand should conduct research and development on soil and crop improvement. People should produce enough for their own consumption first. His Majesty the King has suggested Government spend part of its budget on land development for people to establish self-sufficient farms. People are encouraged to apply the New Theory on land management and development of water sources for agricultural purposes. When there is a surplus in productivity, more exports will be seen, and a higher economic growth will return.