throughout the country for propagation and further distribution among the rural people in order to provide them with an alternative source of protein.
The first RDP which directly emphasized rural development emerged in 1952 when His Majesty donated a number of bulldozers to the Naresuan Border Patrol Police unit for construction of a road leading to Huai Mongkol Village in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. This was to enable the villagers to easily commute and transport their produce for sale in markets outside the village.
His Majesty never simply issues instructions or gives orders. The impetus always comes from the local people. Before he makes any proposal, His Majesty first studies the available data and talks to the people involved. He then consults with officials and academics before passing the initiative on to the government. All royal development projects have started in this way.
His Majesty’s development projects have brought substantial benefits and innovation not only to his subjects but to the whole world. Some of the most important are as follows:
• Royal Rain Project
His Majesty is often associated with life-giving rain because of his pioneering work in cloud seeding techniques. Since 1971, the methods he developed have been used to bring drought relief to farmers and to increase water reservoirs, earning international patents and interest from foreign countries.
• Moisture Retention Dams
To maximize the use of Thailand’s annual monsoon rains, His Majesty designed a system of small “check-dams,” which regulate the flow of water. The creation of multiple small reservoirs gives farmers immediate benefits and also replenishes groundwater.
• Royal Projects
In 1969, the King introduced a comprehensive program to assist northern hill tribe people engaged in unsustainable farming practices. By training the hill tribe communities in the production of various handicrafts, these programs have raised their income and their prospects, and at the same time have benefited the environment.
• Pa Sak Jolasid Dam Project
To help the farmers of Thailand’s central plains to exploit fully the waters of the Pa Sak River, His Majesty initiated a development project that created a new reservoir for water conservation and controlled irrigation. The dam has also helped with flood prevention on the outskirts of Bangkok.
• New Theory on Managing Agricultural Land
Combining concepts of water management with local control, His Majesty developed a strategy that promotes individual household reservoirs over large communal ones, maximizing versatility while minimizing costs. Overall agricultural production is boosted without the need for public funds.
• Use of Vetiver to Prevent Soil Erosion
To help stop the effects of soil erosion, the King initiated a program to plant certain varieties of vetiver grass, known for its ability to reduce siltation and stabilize soil. The systematic application of the program has proven effective in maximizing productivity and conserving precious water.
• The Chaipattana Aerator
Concerned with the quality of water in the Kingdom, His Majesty developed a device that keeps water oxygenated and healthy. Its simple design and low cost make it easy to build and maintain, thus facilitating wide application nationwide.
• The Rama VIII Bridge
Always conscious of the daily problems facing Thais, His Majesty suggested the construction of a new bridge across the Chao Phraya River to alleviate congestion in Phra Nakhon and Dusit districts. Named after his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII, the graceful bridge has become a city icon.
• Pak Phanang Project
To stem the deterioration of the naturally fertile Pak Phanang River basin due to unmanaged population growth, His Majesty initiated co-operation between government agencies to use more effective agricultural resources, maximize economic gain, and reduce harmful environmental practices.
• Renewable Energy
Long before the need for renewable biofuels was widely apparent, His Majesty was actively researching the resource potential of locally-made palm oil. The resulting biodiesel has become a standard additive in the nation’s fuel, and its local sourcing is an inspiration for ongoing research.
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.