Topic 3
Application of the philosophy of the Sufficiency Economy
The efficient application of the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy can be achieved through the implementation of the activities as per the indicators “6X2” in various aspects. For example, in terms of reduction in expenses, people may grow household vegetables and refrain from gambling activities; in terms of increase in earnings, people may do additional jobs use appropriate technologies; and in terms of learning, communities should be encouraged to preserve and use the local wisdom and adopt the learning culture.
The philosophy of Sufficiency Economy may also be applied to daily activities in terms of conservation of environment and sustainable use of natural resources. For example, communities use sustainable materials in making a living. Trees are grown to provide shade and to make the village a pleasant place. Sharing with each other is also important. Community members should learn to be harmonious and to provide support to the underprivileged in the community. The villages that pass the aforesaid indicators will have to further participate in another activity organized by the provincial authority, namely “Happy Village” contest.
The principle and concept of Sufficiency Economy
“Development” according to the Sufficiency Economy philosophy is the development based on the “middle path” approach and non-complacency by taking into consideration moderation, reasonableness, creating immunity for oneself and use of knowledge, prudence and virtues as guidelines in making decisions and taking actions.
“Having enough to live on by oneself does not necessarily mean sufficiency economy. That is the Stone Age’s economy. During the Stone Age, there was also sufficiency economy. However, the concept had evolved to the point where people exchanged things with each other and there was mutual help between villages or between districts, provinces, countries. Exchange of items occurred because of insufficiency. I therefore said that having only one fourth sufficiency economy is enough.” (His Majesty’s Birthday Speech on 23 December 1999.)