Abstract
“Sufficiency economy” is a philosophy presented more than 25 years ago by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is used to guide the way that Thai villagers live. The Thai government used this philosophy as a base for the nation’s development plan. This study focused on three research questions: First, how do the villagers live while following the philosophy of sufficiency economy? Second, what difficulties impede the implementation of the philosophy? Finally, how does the philosophy of sufficiency economy help to increase social and environmental sustainability? We studied four villages in Thailand (three in the northeast and one in the south). We collected data by conducting in-depth interviews, administering a fieldwork survey, and gathering responses from a focus group. We subjected the data that we gathered to content and descriptive analyses. In this study, we found that the philosophy of sufficiency economy can be used by individuals to manage their livelihoods by planting vegetables for personal consumption or sale, domesticating animals, saving money within a cooperative society, protecting the environment, and following moral principles and ethics. In addition, this philosophy can be used to manage social and environmental sustainability in Thailand, and the philosophy can apply to other areas to understand the conditions of the people in a particular community.
Highlights
IntroductionMore than 25 years ago, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presented the philosophy of sufficiency economy as a guideline for the way of life of Thai villagers (Community Development Department, 2006; Eawsiwong, 2001)
This study focused on three research questions: First, how do the villagers live while following the philosophy of sufficiency economy? Second, what difficulties impede the implementation of the philosophy? how does the philosophy of sufficiency economy help to increase social and environmental sustainability? We studied four villages in Thailand
More than 25 years ago, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presented the philosophy of sufficiency economy as a guideline for the way of life of Thai villagers (Community Development Department, 2006; Eawsiwong, 2001)
Summary
More than 25 years ago, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presented the philosophy of sufficiency economy as a guideline for the way of life of Thai villagers (Community Development Department, 2006; Eawsiwong, 2001). The philosophy of sufficiency economy stresses appropriate conduct and a way of life that incorporates moderation, due consideration in all modes of conduct, and the need for sufficient protection from internal and external economic downturn. It requires the application of accurate facts, care and giving, mutual assistance, and collaboration. The aim is to create bonds that closely link villagers from all sectors and boost unity, balanced and sustainable development, and the ability to cope appropriately with critical challenges as a result of globalization (The Royal Development Study Centers and the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, 2004)
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