Human development is about people, and
about expanding their choices to live full,
creative lives, in good health and security, and
with freedom and dignity. That means creating
an environment in which people can develop
their full potential, and providing them with the
tools to enhance their own human capabilities
– to accumulate knowledge, to gain access to
resources, and to participate in the community.
Without these capabilities, many choices are
simply not available, and many opportunities in
life remain inaccessible.
Economic growth is not an end in itself, but a
means to achieve human development. And
growth will only do so if it creates jobs, reduces
poverty, respects the environment, and
generates the necessary resources for essential
social services.
This chapter offers a broad assessment of the
state of human development in Thailand, using
indicators and available statistics to map out
progress, disparities and persistent challenges.
It paints a picture of dynamic overall progress
coexisting with stark inequities and persistent
development challenges. The assessment not
only helps in understanding the context in
which the Sufficiency Economy movement
emerged, but makes a powerful case for the
need to achieve more balanced and equitable
development in the future.