“Sufficiency Economy”
is a philosophy that stresses the middle path as an overriding principle for appropriate conduct by the populace at all levels. This applies to conduct starting from the level of the families, communities, as well as the level of nation in development and administration so as to modernize in line with the forces of globalization “Sufficiency” means moderation, reasonableness, and the need of self – immunity for sufficient protection from impact arising from internal and external changes. To achieve this, an application of knowledge with due consideration and prudence is essential.
In particular great care is needed in the utilization of theories and methodologies for planning and implementation in every step. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen the moral fibre of the nation, so that everyone, particularly public officials, academics, businessmen at all levels
adheres first and foremost to the principles of honesty and integrity. In addition, a way of life based on patience, perseverance, diligence, wisdom and prudence is indispensable to create balance and be able to cope appropriately with critical challenges arising from extensive and rapid socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural changes in the world.”
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.
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.
Significantly, what has dissipated is the people’s ability to rely on themselves and conduct their lives and pursue their destiny with dignity. For Thailand, the 1997 economic crisis served as a costly lesson of unbalanced and unstable growth, partly due to the improper economic and social development process, in which the economy relied heavily on foreign capital inflows and external markets.
The Royal Initiative of the ‘Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy’
Although His Majesty has been promoting self-reliant or sustainable farming since the 1950s, it is generally accepted that the idea of Sufficiency Economy had been brought up in the 1970s during in His Majesty’s speeches.
Sufficiency Economy is a philosophy based on the fundamental principle of Thai culture. It is a method of development based on moderation, prudence, and social immunity, one that uses knowledge and virtue as guidelines in living. Significantly, there must be intelligence and perseverance which will lead to real happiness in leading one’s life.
The Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and National Development
His Majesty’s Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy emphasizes that the producers or consumers try to produce or consume within the limit or limitation of existing income or resources first. This is the principle in decreasing the dependence and increasing the ability to control the production themselves, thus deceasing the risk from not being able to efficiently control the market system.
The Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy as Life Guidance
His Majesty the King has comprehensive understanding of Thai society. Thus, in granting initiatives or delivering advice he would also take into consideration the people’s way of life and social norms to avoid internal conflicts that may obstruct the implementation.
Three hoops, two conditions
Phase I
Farmland Division for Optimum Benefits
The land is divided into four parts with a ratio of 30:30:30:10.
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.
and other structures. 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
Phase II
Communal Agriculture
After the first step has been realized, the farmers are encouraged to form groups or cooperatives to carry out farming and agricultural activities in the following areas:
Production (plant species, soil preparation, irrigation, etc.)
Farmers must cooperate in the production of crops, starting from preparing the soil, obtaining plant species, fertilizers, water supply, etc. for cultivation.
Marketing (rice drying space, silos, rice mills, the sale of crops)
When the rice crops are harvested, there must be preparations in many areas to gain the highest profits from them: preparing a common drying space, silos, rice mills, as well as cooperating in selling the produce to obtain good prices and cut down on expenses.
Living conditions (fish paste, fish sauce, food, clothing, etc.)
At the same time farmers must maintain a certain degree of proper living with sufficient basic requisites such as food, fish paste, fish sauce, and clothing.
Welfare (public health, loans)
In each community there should be necessary welfare and services, such as a health center in time of sickness or a fund providing loans to be used to carry out activities in the community.
Education (schools, scholarships)
The community should play an active role in promoting education, for example, setting up an education fund for children in the community.
Society and religion
The community should be the center for social and mental development, with religion as the binding factor.
All the aforementioned activities must receive cooperation from all parties concerned whether government or private sector, as well as members of the community.
Phase III
Loan and Credit Outreach
After the second phase, the farmers should move into the third phase by making contacts with banks or private companies to obtain funds to assist with investment or developing their quality of life. In this way, both farmers and banks or private companies will gain mutual benefits as follows.
- Farmers can sell their rice at a high price (since they are not forced to sell cheaply)
- Banks or private companies can buy rice for consumption at a low cost (by buying paddy directly from the farmers and milling it them themselves)
- Farmers can buy consumer products at a low cost since they buy them together in large quantities (from cooperatives stores at a wholesale price)
- Banks or private companies are able to disperse their personnel to carry out various activities for better results
2 conditions along the Localism are:
Condition 1 condition of knowledge is knowledgeable about the various technical aspects are related to prudence they considered knowledge associated to business planning and caution in operating procedure integrity consists in awareness, there is moral honesty and patience. Use diligence in daily life
The term moral condition 2 is there awareness on ethics and honesty have patience. Use diligence in daily life
Two conditions
2 conditions along the Localism are:
Condition 1 condition of knowledge is knowledgeable about the various technical aspects are related to prudence they considered knowledge associated to business planning and caution in operating procedure integrity consists in awareness, there is moral honesty and patience. Use diligence in daily life
The term moral condition 2 is there awareness on ethics and honesty have patience. Use diligence in daily life