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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:

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