The Royal Development Study Centres and The Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy

The Royal Development Study Centres
and
the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy
for
the Ministerial Conference on Alternative Development:
Sufficiency Economy
November 8 - 10, 2004
Thailand
Office of the Royal Development Projects Board

The Royal Development Study Centres and the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy
Contents
Introduction: the Royal Initiative on “Sufficiency Economy”................................ 1

and the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy......................................................... 3
The Successful Results of the Application of the Philosophy of Sufficiency
Economy in the Six Royal Development Study Centres....................................... 7
(1) Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre,
Chachoengsao Province.............................................................................................. 7
(2) Puparn Royal Development Study Centre,
Sakon Nakhon Province............................................................................................. 9
(3) Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre,
Chiang Mai Province................................................................................................. 11
(4) Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre,
Phetchaburi Province................................................................................................. 13
(5) Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre,
Chanthaburi Province................................................................................................ 17
(6) Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Centre,
Narathiwat Province................................................................................................... 19
The Evaluation of the Implementation of the Activities
at the Six Royal Development Study Centres........................................................ 22
Conclusion................................................................................................................. 26
Bibliography.............................................................................................................. 27

Introduction:
The Royal Initiative on “Sufficiency Economy”
“…Development of the nation must be carried out in stages, starting with the
laying of the foundation by ensuring the majority of the people have their basic
necessities through the use of economical means and equipment in accordance with
theoretical principles. Once a reasonably firm foundation has been laid and in effect, higher
levels of economic growth and development should be promoted…”
His Majesty the King’s royal speech

given to the graduates of Kasetsart University
On July 18, 1974
1
“…no matter what others say – whether they will accuse Thailand of being old-
fashioned or obscurantist. So long as we have enough to live on and to live for – and
this should be the wish and determination of all of us – without aiming for the apex
of prosperity, we shall already be considered as the top in comparison with other
countries in the present world…”
His Majesty the King’s royal speech

given on the occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday anniversary
at Dusidalai Hall, Chitralada Villa, Dusit Palace
On December 4, 1974
According to the royal speech given in 1974, it is obvious that His

Majesty the King has placed importance on step-by-step development on the
basis of self-reliance, having enough to live and to eat, moderation,
reasonableness, and self-immunity. Also, His Majesty the King’s
royal statement significantly raised consciousness of Thai people to
be prudent, to realize steps of development which are academically
correct, and to adhere to morals for every conduct of life. These all
are known as “Sufficiency Economy.”
Sufficiency Economy is a philosophy that stresses appropriate conduct and way of

life while incorporating moderation, due consideration in all modes of conduct, and the need for
sufficient protection from internal and external shocks. It requires the application of accurate
knowledge, care and giving, mutual assistance, and collaboration. The aim is to create bonds which
closely link people from all sectors together and boost positive creative force in order to lead to
unity, balanced and sustainable development as well as readiness to cope appropriately with critical
challenges occurring as a result of globalization.
2
A well-known and practical example of the application of the

philosophy of Sufficiency Economy is “integrated farming
practice according to the New Theory” which promotes step-
by-step development, starting from building a good basis for the
people at the family level to enable them to become self-reliant to
a certain extent without taking advantages of others. Then, the
people can join hands in various activities in the form of group,
community, or even community enterprise. The aim is to
enhance creative force among themselves which in turn helps
strengthen the community, reduce the risks of impact from
external factors and build connections with large-scale
businesses, government agencies as well as organizations.
The end result will then be the expansion of various forms
of the cooperation scope at the national level.
3

and the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy
His Majesty the King not only initiated the concept of Sufficiency
Economy, but also graciously suggested the application of the concept with the operation of the
Royal Development Study Centres which were established according to the objectives as stated in
His Majesty’s speech:
“The purpose of the Royal Development Study Centres is to

develop farmers’ land by means of land development, water
resources development, forest rehabilitation and application of
production techniques in agriculture and animal husbandry and
to use the donated funds as the
operation cost of the centre. The centres
will also serve as a central office to conduct development activities to
improve the well-being of the people in the surrounding areas. Once
the farmers have upgraded their living standard, they might consider
setting up a rice mill and rice bank in each village to get an
opportunity to train themselves, to finally become self-supporting…”
4
His Majesty intends that the Royal Development Study Centres or RDSCs be “the model of
success” for the farmers and the interested public to adopt proper knowledge that could guide them
to achieve self-reliance in a sustainable manner. The roles of each Royal Development Study Centre
are as follows:
1. Each Centre is a place for conducting study, research and experiments in search of
guidelines and development methods suitable for the different conditions of each area or region. It serves
as “the model of success” for the people in other areas to follow.
2. Each Centre is a place for the exchange of experiences and open communication among
academics, development workers and the people. The Centre gathers successful results of the study,
research and experiments, and integrates technical knowledge with practical theories to form a source of
knowledge for people to obtain. It also serves as a venue for officials to study and experiment in their
work, and simultaneously, for an exchange of experiences as well as guidelines for solving problems
among three groups of people: academics, development promotion officials and the general public.
3. Each Centre is a place for carrying out integrated development activities, serving
as a model and good example of development work suitable for different areas, by
emphasizing the optimum use of resources. The development strategy focuses on
using as many fields of knowledge as possible since one field supports and
compliments the development of other fields. It represents a systematic integration
of knowledge, operation, and management.
5
4. Each Centre involves coordination within the government sector on project

planning and management among different government agencies and
departments in order to render optimum benefits.
5. Each Centre provides a one-stop service, a place that gathers results of

study, experiments and demonstrations which have proven successful, be it
from the fields of agriculture, water resources, livestock, fishery or social
and occupational development, presented in a form of a “living natural
museum.” People can come to see everything in one place and then
conveniently obtain knowledge that will enhance their capacity to carry out
the development work in ways which will create maximum benefits.
There are altogether six Royal Development Study Centres situated

in all the regions of the country, with each representing the region’s local characteristics and facing
different problems according to each geographical condition. The Centre conducts research studies to
determine a development path suitable for each locality in order to make the land arable as well as to
achieve productive yields. Once the results have proved to be successful, the Centre then undertakes to
disseminate the knowledge to farmers living in the “surrounding villages” to apply on their own land.
The Centre promotes all fields of knowledge related to agriculture, such as cultivation techniques,
propagation of crop varieties, animal husbandry, fishery, etc. After the knowledge has successfully been
promoted to farmers in the surrounding villages, the extension work is then aimed at farmers in other
areas.
This gives rise to the setting up of the “centre branches” for carrying out studies on specific issues
relevant to the problems of the area. The objectives of the centre branches are similar to those of the
Royal Development Study Centres.
6
The Successful Results of the Application of the Philosophy of

Sufficiency Economy in the Six Royal Development Study Centres
1. Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre

Phanom Sarakarm District, Chachoengsao Province
Background
This is the Centre which was established first. The
major problem was the infertility of the soil which is sandy
with the holding capacity of only 30 millimetres of water.
This problem was also intensified by soil erosion. After
learning about the problem of the area, His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej spoke with the officials concerned
during an audience at Dusidalai Hall on August 26, 1988:
“…First of all, I advised the Royal Irrigation Department to

construct reservoirs which might seem to be strange because the
construction of reservoirs would cover almost all of the land
acquired. There would be only a few rai left for cultivating crops
using irrigation water. It was started from that point which was not
considered technically wrong. In fact, it might be technically wrong
to use all of the land obtained. Most of the land became the sites of
the reservoirs with only a few rai used for farming. Somehow, it is
considered to be a model. The benefits did not occur only to the
Centre’s areas, but were also extended to the lower areas…”
7
Important Projects and Activities
The implementation of the activities of the Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre
is jointly responsible by officials from many different agencies such as the Royal
Irrigation Department, the Royal Forest Department, the Department of Fisheries,
the Department of Livestock Development, the Land Development Department,
the Department of Agriculture and etc. The important activities include
rehabilitation of forest; improvement of water sources by constructing a
total of nine reservoirs according to His Majesty’s initiatives; rehabilitation
and conservation of soil by conducting the surveys of land use, laying the soil and
water conservation system to prevent erosion of topsoil, setting up the soil and water conservation
system by means of earth embankments and vetiver grass hedgerows, promoting the making of
compost, organic fertilizer and green manure, as well as providing the
knowledge on soil development by organizing training for the farmers
living in the surrounding villages; and introduction of the principle for
land management according to the concept of the New Theory in order to
educate the farmers about integrated farming which could yield sufficient
income for all year round.
Presently, apart from the 15 surrounding villages encompassing the

Centre, there are two centre branches which cover a total area of 113,214
rai (18,114.24 hectares) in Khao Hin Sorn Subdistrict and Koh Khanoon Subdistrict.
1) The Royal-initiated Khao Cha-ngok Area Development Project, Nakhon Nayok Province.
This project was designated to be a comprehensive development project the implementation of
which focuses on demonstration of rice cultivation and integrated farming to be examples for the
farmers and the general public. The project covers an area of 23,157 rai (3,705.12 hectares).
2) The Royal Projects According to His Majesty the King’s Royal Initiatives, Ban Sang
District, Prachin Buri Province. The project conducts agricultural activities such as rice farming
and chemical-free vegetables growing, and covers a total area of 145 rai (23.2 hectares).
8
2. Puparn Royal Development Study Centre, Muang District, Sakon Nakhon Province
Background
On November 25, 1982, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej granted an audience to M.C.
Chakrabhandphensiri Chakrabhand, the Privy Councilor and the Director-General of the government
agencies concerned at the Department of Royal
Guards, Chitralada Villa. On this occasion, His
Majesty the King gave initiatives to the government
agencies concerned to consider setting up the
Puparn Royal Development Study Centre. Then on
November 27, 1983, His Majesty visited the site
where the Puparn Royal Development Study Centre
would be located in an area of Baan Na Nok Khao,
Muang District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Upon
that occasion, His Majesty kindly granted guidelines for the operation of the Centre as quoted:
“…The authority of the Puparn Royal Development Study Centre should cover the
development of forests in the watershed areas of Huai Tad Hai Yai and Phu Mai Ruak Reservoir.
These areas are to be considered forest development areas in the
perimeter of the centre, comprising an area of approximately
7,500 rai. A forest village should be set up at the watershed area
of Huai Tad Hai Yai, along the Kalasin-Sakon Nakhon Road,
consisting of about ten households, each of which is allotted
approximately 100 rai of land for the officials to develop the
forests in the said area…”
As a result of the initiative and given guidelines, the Puparn Royal Development Study
Centre started its operation in 1984 with an objective to conduct studies and experiments on
various fields of agricultural development to be models for the people to apply.
9
The Puparn Royal Development Study Centre

well recognizes the importance of conducting studies
appropriate to the actual condition of the local area
and emphasizes the extension of the study results
among the farmers to apply on their own lands. The
Centre’s development activities are categorized into
three forms: the study, experimentation and research;
the extension work; and other administrative and
development works.
One important extension work is the dissemination of

the “New Theory” farming practice according to His Majesty
the King’s initiative which enables the farmers who own a small piece
of land to obtain rice yield enough for household consumption and
have enough water supply for uses in the dry season. Each year, the
centre digs ponds for farmers for uses in their occupations.
Presently, the results of the Centre’s implementation have been extended to other areas of
the region through the establishment of three centre branches which are:
1) The Royal-initiated Huai Bang Sai Upper Basin Development Project, Dong Luang
District, Mukdahan Province. The project is a comprehensive development project covering the
aspects of agriculture, forest conservation, water sources development and handicraft works.
2) The Royal-initiated Kum River Basin Development Project, Sakon Nakhon and
Nakhon Phanom Provinces. The project was set up to solve the problem of the villagers living on
the banks of the Kum River regarding water inundation in the agricultural plots during the rainy
season and the shortage of water for agriculture and consumption during the dry season.
3) The Ban Daen Samakkhee New Theory Demonstration Project, Khao Wong District,
Kalasin Province. The project is to be the place of study, experimentation and demonstration
which displays to the farmers the results of agricultural development according to His Majesty’s
initiatives.
10
3. Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre

Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province
Background
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej initiated the

establishment of the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development
Study Centre on December 11, 1982 in the area of Khun Mae
Kuang Forest, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, on a
total area of about 8,500 rai (1,360 hectares) to be the centre of experimentation and research for
the suitable method for watershed area development and disseminate the results to the villagers.
The intention is to achieve the optimum use of the water flowing down from the hilltop by means of
building check dams and fish bone-shaped ditches in order to preserve and maintain soil moisture
during the dry season which is useful for reforestation and can also serve as wet fire breaks. The water
that flows down to the foothill can be retained in the reservoir for crop cultivation, animal husbandry and
fishery. In the reforestation, the indigenous tree species as well as the trees for timber, for fruits and for
firewood are replanted to be the sources of seeds which will float down the hill and germinate in lower
areas to become a dense and fully-fertile forest.
Later, on February 3, 1984, His Majesty the King added that the Centre conducts the study
mainly on the complete development of forests in watershed areas. At the outset was the study on
forestry; whereas, at the end was the study on fishery in the reservoirs. These activities were coupled
with the studies in the field of agriculture, livestock and milch cow development as well as agro-
industry. The aim was to become a complete development study centre which would generate the
true applicable benefits to the people coming to observe the Centre’s activities.
The activities conducted at the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre are
managed by the Royal Irrigation Department who acts as the coordinator. The Centre’s activities
include conduct of research on practical patterns of watershed development appropriate to the
watershed areas of the Northern Region, development of watershed areas with the application of the
irrigation system, planting of three forests three methods, utilization of water sources for economic
11
purposes, development of fishery in reservoirs, as well as study on cooperatives, agriculture, cattle

raising, agro-industry and marketing. All these activities aim to restore the fertile condition of the
forests and the watershed areas, and enable the people to become self-reliant without having to destroy
nature.
Presently, there are altogether 11 sourounding villages along with five centre branches as
follows:
1) The Royal-initiated Ban Rai Fruit and Flower Propagation Development Service Centre,
Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province. The Centre was established to be the demonstration site
with training courses for occupational promotion among the farmers.
2) The Royal-initiated Mae Ping Subbasins Integrated Development

Project, Ban Hong District, Lampoon Province, and Chom Thong District
and Hod District, Chiang Mai Province. The project was set up to deal
with the development of water sources and watershed areas.
3) The Royal-initiated Khun Mae Kuang Forest Area Development

Project, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province. This project emphasizes a systematic management
of water basins together with allocation of land for agricultural activities among the farmers.
4) The Doi Tung Development Project, Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. The
project has the objective to promote symbiotic co-existence between man and nature by raising
their consciousness of forest conservation and development.
5) The Royal-initiated Huai Larn Area Development Project, San Kam Phaeng District,
Chiang Mai Province. The project focuses on acquiring the water supply to support the agricultural
areas as well as establishing forestry stations and fishery stations.
12
4. Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province
Background
On April 5, 1983, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously advised concerning
the area of Huai Sai District which can be concluded that “This and the nearby areas used to be
very fertile. There was plenty of water in the waterfall and water courses all year round. However,
the degradation of forest causes the dry spells and unpredictable rainfall patterns. It can be
predicted that the place may eventually become a desert each year.” In addition, His Majesty spoke
to His Excellency M.C. Chakrabhandphensiri Chakrabhand, the Privy Councilor; Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul,
the Secretary-General of the Royal Development Projects Board; and Mr. Sunthorn Ruanglek, the
Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department that:
“…The Centre is to be developed as a study centre

for the development of multi-purpose-forests, with an
emphasis on reforestation to restore the forest conditions
to their former abundance; let the people who used to
make a living in the areas take part in maintaining the
forests and benefiting from them without encroaching,
and regulating a legal settlement of people so that they
can earn a living and have a good quality of life;… and
let the study centre serve as a living natural museum where people can observe the operation
and gain knowledge which will enable the poor to survive and the nature too…”
The Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre is situated within the compound of Mrigadayavan
Palace in Sam Phraya Subdistrict, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province. The Centre covers a total area
of 15,882 rai (2541.12 hectares), separated (according to the royal initiative on May 17, 1985) into
six development areas: Somdej Phrasrinakarindra (The Princess Mother) Garden, the area at the
end of Khao Kapook Reservoir, the area at the end of Huai Ta Paed Reservoir, the area at the end of
Huai Sai Reservoir, the area in front of Khao Thong, and the reforestation area around the reservoir.
The Border Patrol Police Unit of the Office of the Royal Thai Police plays the coordinating role among
the government agencies concerned. The objective of the Centre is to be the centre of the development of
13
forestry for multipurpose uses. The existing farmers are encouraged to take part in the maintenance and
care of the forest. The deteriorated forest areas are rehabilitated and the wet fire breaks are created. The
Centre also studies the means for the farmers to participate in forest conservation while, at the same time,
gaining benefits from the forest as well as the crops planted.
1) Somdej Phrasrinakarindra (The Princess

Mother) Garden. The garden has the objective to study the
proper patterns of cropping system to be examples for the
farmers and the officials from various agencies who come
to visit the Centre. The activities implemented at Somdej
Phrasrinakarindra Garden include:
- The New Theory farming: The management of land by appropriately dividing it into
four parts, which are a water source, an integrated farm, a rice field and a residential area. These
four parts are based on the ratio of 30:30:30:10.
- Crop cultivation system: The growing of plants of different ages with the fruit trees
being the primary crop and the field crops being the secondary crop.
- Integrated farming: The pattern of plant cultivation together with animal husbandry
and fish raising.
- Organic farming: The farming that uses the existing natural resources such as compost,
manure, and green manure, including the growing of legumes to improve soil fertility, vetiver grass to
prevent erosion of topsoil and pest control plants such as fragrant lemon grass and ground neem seeds.
- Agro-forestry: The use of forests for agricultural activities without having to destroy
them. The plants grown include economic trees, fast growing trees and fruit trees, for examples,
teak, burma padauk, cassia, mango, etc.
- Collection of aromatic plants: The preservation of rare Thai plant species. The plants
are categorized into trees, shrubs and climbing plants; for examples, white champaka, ylang ylang,
honey suckle, rose-su-kon, etc.
14
- Reduction of the use of chemicals: The experimentation on the use of ground neem
seeds to prevent insect infestation.
- Utilization of herbal plants: The experimentation of the cultivation of herbal plants

and the processing of the herbal plants.
2) Her Royal Highness’ Mangrove Forest Park. The

park’s major task is to improve the mangrove forest according to
the Natural Resources and Environment Restoration Plan. On
August 14, 2000, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn graciously initiated the allocation of appropriate mangrove forest areas to be rehabilitated
in order to bring back the ecological system of the mangrove forest.
3) Development of bad land. Since there are problems of severely soil erosion and
hardpan soil in the bad land area around Khao Bor King, vetiver grass and plants that can grow
in the area are grown by putting them in the dug holes filled with soil containing fertilizer and
moisture. Besides, additional natural water sources are created to help maintain moisture. In this
case, moisture will break the structure of hardpan soil which will naturally become fertile soil.
4) Study and experimentation plot on the efficiency of the vetiver grass in improving the hardpan
soil. The vetiver grass is grown in order to improve the condition of hardpan soil in the area of Huai Sai
Reservoir so that the soil can be used in agricultural activities.
15
5) Conservation of soil and water. The activity includes the construction of small dams with
rows of earthen embankments along the contours of the slope in order to control the water flow and
spread the rainwater all over the area to maintain moisture during the dry season.
6) Raising and propagation of wildlife species. The activity

involves the raising and propagation of wildlife, in particular hog deer
which is an indigenous wildlife specie, for releasing
back into the nature.
At present, there are 15 surrounding villages and one centre branch which is the Royal-
initiated Khao Cha-ngum Deteriorated Soil Rehabilitation Project, Photharam District, Ratchaburi
Province, which carries out the soil development work with the method of reforestation without
planting and the utilization of the vetiver grass to increase soil moisture.
16
5. Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi
Province
Background
The Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study

Centre was established on December 28, 1981. From
many Royal visits to the people living in the coastal areas
and on islands throughout Thailand, His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej learned about the problem of the
deterioration of the coastal natural resources, especially
at the eastern coast of the country. This is due to the
existence of large-scale and intensive fishery based on the use of modern technology in order to
enhance competitiveness.
Accordingly, His Majesty the King gave an initiative to Mr.Kosit Panpiemrat, then the Deputy
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony on May 10, 1991,
as stated:
“…mangrove forests are beneficial to the coastal ecology and the Gulf of Thailand.
Nowadays, however, Thailand’s mangrove forests are being encroached upon and damaged by
self-interested parties. We must, therefore, seek ways of protecting, conserving, and increasing
these resources, especially Rhizophora which are exotic mangrove trees difficult to propagate
because it needs the tides to support growth. The government agencies concerned including the
Royal Forest Department, the Department of Fisheries, the Royal Irrigation Department, and
the Department Naval Hydrographic Department should join hands in seeking suitable areas
for experimenting about the propagation of the mangrove trees and reforesting the mangrove
forests…”
17

The Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre was established with the objectives
of promoting the conservation of mangrove forests and
means to earn a living from the forests, promoting crop
cultivation and animal husbandry, particularly shrimp
farming, promoting agricultural activities such as mixed
farming and providing agricultural training, promoting the
operation of cooperatives as well as experimenting about
the conservation and nourishment of topsoil to ensure its
suitable quality.
18
In addition, for the outer areas of Kung Krabaen Bay, the Centre promotes sustainable
occupations among the farmers by providing them with the knowledge and certain factors to support
the raising of aquatic animals, mixed farming, and food processing for sale.
Up to the present, the Centre has extended the results of its activities to the 15 surrounding
villages situated in Klong Kud and Rum Phan Subdistricts of Tha Mai District and other eight
surrounding villages in Sanam Chai and Kra Jae Subdistricts of Na Yai Arm District, totalling 23
villages. The target is to enable the farmers living around the Centre to have occupations and increase
their agricultural production.
6. Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Centre, Muang District, Narathiwat Province
Background
During his stay at Daksin Palace in Narathiwat Province from September 28 to October 3, 1981,
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited the villagers in the province. His Majesty explored the
area and found that it was necessary to raise the standard of living and the economic condition of the
people there. He thus gave initiatives to the officials concerned to improve various development works,
especially the development of peat swamps. In a speech to His Excellency M.C. Chakrabhandphensiri
Chakrabhand, the Privy Councilor; Mr. Chit Nilaphanich, the Governor of Narathiwat Province; Mr.
Lek Chindasa-nguan, the Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department as well as other concerned
officials, His Majesty said:
“…Since much of the land in Narathiwat, comprising

an area of approximately 300,000 rai, is a lowland and is water-
logged all-year-round, and since the soil has low fertility, many
farmers do not have land for cultivation. Even when the water
has been drained out, it is still difficult to make fruitful use of
the land agriculturally since the soil contains pyrite, which
creates sulfuric acid. When the soil is dry, it turns to acidic and
needs to be improved. I deem it proper to have the land improved and developed by letting
concerned agencies jointly undertake a project to study and develop the peat swamps in an
integrated way, and bring the results of the project to be a model for developing other peat
swamps on other locations…”
19
The Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Centre is situated between Ban Pikun Thong
and Ban Khok Saya, Kaluwar Nuer Subdistrict, Muang District, Narathiwat Province. The Centre
covers a total area of 1,740 rai (278.4 hectares) of which 510 rai (81.6 hectares) is the site of the
Centre and 400,000 rai (64000 hectares) constitue swampy areas in Narathiwat and the nearby
provinces. The Land Development Department acts as the coordinating agency for the implementation
of the Centre’s activities which emphasize education and development aspects, especially the building
of knowledge and understanding on the agricultural practice, and the development of the Centre to
be an environmental-friendly recreation site for the public to come to observe and learn about new
technology while having fun and rest.
1) The New Theory. The division of land for maximum utilization.
2) The Aggravating the Soil Project. The model project of peat soil development.
3) His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary Garden. The garden decorated with herbal
plants, rare plants as well as indigenous plants and vegetables of the South.
4) The Golden Jubilee Garden. The garden decorated with a variety of palm tree species.
5) The Small-sized Palm Oil Extraction and Transformation Plant. The study of the palm
oil extraction process and the production of bio-diesel.
20
At present, there are 11 surrounding villages and four centre branches which are:
1) The Khao Tan Yong Rubber Plantation Project, Ban Khao Tan Yong, Muang District,
Narathiwat Province. The project has an objective to demonstrate the cultivation of good varieties
of para rubber and the planting of inter-crops in the para rubber plantation.
2) The Pi-nae-mudor Village Development Project, Bukit Subdistrict, Jor Ai Rong District,
Narathiwat Province. The project intends to be the demonstration site for the effective utilization of
land and water.
3) The Khok It-Khok Nai Village Project, Ban Yuyo, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province.
The activities involve the improvement of highly acidic soil and the implementation of the “New
Theory” farming practice.
4) The Munoh Livestock Village Project, Kosit Subdistrict, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat
Province. The project serves as a demonstration site for land and water management in swampy
areas for livestock and agriculture.
21
The Evaluation of the Implementation of the Activities at the Six Royal

Development Study Centres
1. Income and Its Sources: When comparing the average per capita income of the farmers
living around the Centres with that evaluated using the basic needs criteria in 1986, it was found
that most of the farmers living around the four Centres, which are the Khao Hin Sorn Royal
Development Study Centre, the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre, the Huai Sai
Royal Development Study Centre, and the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre,
obtained an average income higher than that evaluated using the basic needs criteria. As for the
other two Centres which are the Puparn Royal Development Study Centre and the Pikun Thong
Royal Development Study Centre, the finding disclosed that most farmers, especially those at the
Puparn Royal Development Study Centre, still obtained an average income lower than that evaluated
using the basic needs criteria. This might be caused by the disadvantage in terms of poor geographical
and climatic conditions which were not suitable for agricultural activities as the details shown in the
table.
However, for the overall picture, it could be concluded that most of the farmers earned an
increased income from supplementary occupations; for example, the selling of surplus agricultural
produce left over from household consumption such as rice, a variety of seasonal fruits, and fish
breeds. This was also a result of the dissemination of the knowledge and new techniques by the
Centre’s officials who came to visit them at home, especially the “New Theory” farming practice
and the integrated farming practice. For the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre, the
farmers were provided with the knowledge for making compost from sludge from shrimp farming which
could be used as an organic fertilizer.
As regard the sources of income for each centre except the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development
Study Centre, it was revealed that the villagers mostly obtained their incomes from labor hiring, crop
cultivation, selling of agricultural produce, animal raising, and others. On the other hand, the sources of
the incomes of the villagers living around the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre
were fishery, culture of aquatic animals, labour hiring, businesses, animal raising, and others.
22
Table: Comparing an average per capita income of the farmers per year with that
evaluated using the basic needs criteria in 1996
Royal Development Study Centres Average Income Average Income

as evaluated in 1996 ten keys criteria for quality of life of
(unit: Baht)* Thai people as evaluated in 1996
(unit: Baht)*
1. Khao Hin Sorn RDSC 18,038.46
2. Puparn RDSC 8,300.56
3. Huai Hong Khrai RDSC 17,266.94

15,000.00
4. Huai Sai RDSC 20,590.11
5. Kung Krabaen Bay RDSC 25,441.20
6. Pikun Thong RDSC 14,913.89
* 41.16 baht = 1 US dollar (as of November 4, 2004)
2. Quality of Life: Overall, the quality of life of the farmers living in the areas surrounding
the four Centres which are the Puparn Royal Development Study Centre, the Huai Hong Khrai
Royal Development Study Centre, the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre, and the Kung
Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre, had improved from the moderate level to the high
level. Regarding the people at the Puparn Royal Development Study Centre and the Pikun Thong
Royal Development Study Centre, their quality of life was still at the moderate level but with a
tendency to move upwards. Most farmers had a lower amount of debts and were able to rely on
themselves economically.
23
As witnessed in the aforementioned statement, it is obvious that His Majesty the King
recognizes the importance of “rural development” that consequently yields a better quality of life
to the people based on the following principles. First, the community must be strengthened so that
the people can depend on themselves. Then the development must take into consideration the
conservation and development of the natural resources and the environment in an effective and
sustainable manner. In addition, the development must emphasize the promotion of the up-to-date,
simple, academically practical and cost effective knowledge and techniques which would lead to the
state of “having enough to eat and to live” without being in debts. As a result, His Majesty the King
kindly initiated the establishment of the six Royal Development Study Centres which have applied His
Majesty’s philosophy of Sufficiency Economy with their operation as summarized below:
1. Forest Development: The activity includes the development of forests in the watershed
areas, the conservation of forests, the conservation of water and soil,
the maintenance of moisture in the soil, and the construction of check
dams made of earth or rocks and stones to create moisture for growth
of the trees in the nearby areas, to promote greenery and to create wet
fire breaks. Moreover, forests are rehabilitated by letting the trees grow
without having to “open up the soil surface”, and plants suitable with
the local conditions are grown for four benefits which are consumption,
utilization, making firewood, and soil and water conservation. His
Majesty also granted a guideline regarding land allocation for the people
living in the forest areas.
2. Water Source Development: The activity is generated out of His Majesty’s recognition
of the importance of water for the people’s livelihoods. His Majesty graciously granted an initiative
for solving the water shortage problem by numerous means such as digging of ponds for collecting
the water for consumption, household uses and irrigation. The methods rely mainly on the
geographical conditions and nature.
24
3. Occupational Promotion for the People in the Rural Areas: His Majesty the King
graciously granted guidelines as follows:
3.1 Self-reliance: His Majesty emphasizes that basic foods necessary for life such as
rice, vegetables, and fish are sufficiently produced for the community by means of simple methods.
The surplus can then be shared or sold among the neighbors. To achieve this state, the community
must have unity and work together with diligence, preserverance and self-estimation. The expansion
of the production must be done gradually while refraining from making debts.
3.2 The “New Theory”: an applicable practice well-known among Thai farmers, was
given by His Majesty in 1989 as a guideline for making a living. Although this conceptual theory
comprises three stages, the most important stage for the farmers is stage 1. This stage is appropriate
for the poor farmers who live in the rain-fed areas. The theory introduces to the farmers a proper
management of soil, water and crops in relation to the optimum utilization of labour force, time and
capital. The practice suggests an approximate division of the land based on the 30: 30: 30: 10 ratio
for implementing the four main agricultural activities, which are digging the pond for storing
rainwater, growing rice, conducting integrated farming, and building residential area as well as
preparing space for raising animals.
25
Conclusion
In sum, it is obvious that the key principles for implementing the projects and the activities at
the six Royal Development Study Centres have their roots from His Majesty’s royal initiative on
“Sufficiency Economy”, the philosophy that drives the people of all occupations and at all levels,
particularly the farmers in the countryside, to adopt and apply as a guideline for making a living.
The philosophy might be applied more or less depending on the economic background of each
individual.
As most of the people in the rural areas are farmers, the agricultural practice based on the
concept of the “New Theory” which adopts the philosophy of “Sufficiency Economy” is considered
a proper means to guide the people to assist themselves as much as they can so that they can “have
enough to live and to eat” particularly in terms of foods and clothes. For things that the people
cannot produce on their own, they can exchange or buy from the outside sources. However, in the
first place, they should buy and use the products that are available in the local or domestic markets
while trying to balance between the income and the expenses, and create the least debts. Each
individual should also enjoy a simple, not extravagant life and be satisfied with materials obtained
legally and legitimately. If these guidelines are followed, it can be concluded that the philosophy of
“Sufficiency Economy” is correctly and properly applied according to the intention of His Majesty
the King who is determined to assist all lives in the country out of the misery, and to survive by
themselves in a self-sufficient manner while having enough to eat and to live until the end of time.
26
Bibliography
Office of the Royal Development Projects Board. Monitoring and Evaluation Division.
1997 Annual Report of the Evaluation of the Royal Development Study Centres
Project. Bangkok: Craftsman Press, February 1999.
Office of the Royal Development Projects Board. Museum for Life. [n.p.], February 2003.
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board. Sufficiency Economy
Group. Sufficiency Economy Movement. [n.d.], July 2004.
Office of National Research Council of Thailand. The King’s Sufficiency Economy and the
Analyses of Meanings by Economists. Bangkok: Kaset Blueprint, 2546.
Amphol Senanarong, Privy Councilor. “Guidelines for Rural Development According to the
New Theory Concept”. Summary of the Articles.
Chairman of Kasetsart University Council from 1998 to 2003. Bangkok: Text and Journal
Publication, 2003.
27

The Royal Development Study Centres and The Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy

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The Royal Development Study Centres

Office of the Royal Development Projects Board

Introduction: the Royal Initiative on “Sufficiency Economy”................................ 1

Office of the Royal Development Projects Board

His Majesty the King’s royal speech

His Majesty the King’s royal speech

According to the royal speech given in 1974, it is obvious that His

Sufficiency Economy is a philosophy that stresses appropriate conduct and way of

A well-known and practical example of the application of the

The Royal Development Study Centres

“The purpose of the Royal Development Study Centres is to

4. Each Centre involves coordination within the government sector on project

5. Each Centre provides a one-stop service, a place that gathers results of

There are altogether six Royal Development Study Centres situated

The Successful Results of the Application of the Philosophy of

1. Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre

“…First of all, I advised the Royal Irrigation Department to

Important Projects and Activities

Presently, apart from the 15 surrounding villages encompassing the

Important Projects and Activities

The Puparn Royal Development Study Centre

One important extension work is the dissemination of

3. Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej initiated the

Important Projects and Activities

purposes, development of fishery in reservoirs, as well as study on cooperatives, agriculture, cattle

2) The Royal-initiated Mae Ping Subbasins Integrated Development

3) The Royal-initiated Khun Mae Kuang Forest Area Development

“…The Centre is to be developed as a study centre

Important Projects and Activities

1) Somdej Phrasrinakarindra (The Princess

- Utilization of herbal plants: The experimentation of the cultivation of herbal plants

2) Her Royal Highness’ Mangrove Forest Park. The

6) Raising and propagation of wildlife species. The activity

The Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study

Important Projects and Activities

“…Since much of the land in Narathiwat, comprising

Important Projects and Activities

1) The New Theory. The division of land for maximum utilization.

The Evaluation of the Implementation of the Activities at the Six Royal

Royal Development Study Centres Average Income Average Income

2. Puparn RDSC 8,300.56

3. Huai Hong Khrai RDSC 17,266.94

4. Huai Sai RDSC 20,590.11

5. Kung Krabaen Bay RDSC 25,441.20

6. Pikun Thong RDSC 14,913.89

* 41.16 baht = 1 US dollar (as of November 4, 2004)

Analyses of Meanings by Economists. Bangkok: Kaset Blueprint, 2546.

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