SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
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304<br />
The Meaning of Sufficiency Economy <br />
International Conference<br />
Introduction<br />
Tha Kham sub-district is a small area, approximately 33.92 kilometer square or<br />
21,200 Rai, located in Haad Yai district, Songkhla province and consists of 8<br />
villages. The TAO’s local development initiative is well-known thanks to the vision<br />
of Mr. Sinthop Intharat, the governor of TAO Tha Kham, who has become a famed<br />
local administrative executive official. (Supitcha Chantapa, B.E.2554: 1) The<br />
initiative originated with TAO Tha Kham being one of 101 sub-districts selected as a<br />
pilot project for the Sufficiency Economy community model. This project was<br />
initiated in B.E. 2542. The community scheme was funded by UNDP and carried out<br />
by the village fund association and the department of agricultural extension of the<br />
Ministry of Agriculture. This community scheme was carried out in collaboration<br />
with the community leadership, local people, and TAO Tha Kham, which collected<br />
and disseminated the data. The objective was to develop a “Learning Community”.<br />
The main focus was on the development of human capabilities before material<br />
development. <br />
Eventually, the upgrading of human capital constituting the initial development<br />
efforts yielded fruitful results. In the 3-year plan B.E.2553-2555 the development<br />
efforts shifted to participative administration, empowerment, public health, moral<br />
society, and use of natural resources according to the philosophy of sufficiency<br />
economy. The TAO governor intended to implement practical steps in line with the<br />
philosophy to foster economic development. For instance, the locals had acquired<br />
the knowledge from the agricultural officer to prevent pest from destroying their<br />
produce, which increased productivity and earnings. This knowledge was refined<br />
through a synergy of efforts: the community has developed so-called “occupational<br />
groups” each specializing on a specific activity, such as breeding techniques,<br />
production of bio-fertilizer. These activities were assisted by the agricultural officer.<br />
The Thai agricultural officer moreover helped with settin the price for agricultural<br />
output, the establishment of a local community rice mill, the manufacturing of biofertilizer,<br />
and community plantation. Funds were provided by the village bank, the<br />
local savings group, and the local social welfare fund group. Eco-tourism activities<br />
considering the local ecological conditions have been developed as well.<br />
<br />
Development Strategy of Self Sufficiency<br />
Economy Philosophy of Tambon Administration<br />
Organization of Tha Kham<br />
The TAO Tha Kham has laid down its commitment to develop according to<br />
Sufficiency Economy principles in its 3-year project scheme (B.E.2553-2555). <br />
It includes the following activities and objectives: