I. Preamble

This webpage and all of its contents are to be both dedicated to and reflected on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Royal Concept and Applications of the Sufficiency Economy, as well as to celebrate the propitious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 81st Birthday Anniversary on December 5th, 2008.

As many people have said: "in order to know where you are going, perhaps you need to know first where you came from."

Thailand is recognized as an agrarian society, in which the concept of sufficiency economy has already been deeply embedded in the ways of basic living for a long time. In retrospect, Thai people were able to achieve happiness simply through family values and Thai cultural/social norms that all have made them stood out from outside world. Moreover, this Royal concept also carries a religious connotation, as the national religion Buddhism has taught its believers "the Middle Way"—a core concept that highlights on the path of moderation leading them away from extremes of indulgence and desires, while moving them closer to ultimate happiness and well-being via moral cultivation.

However, due to global changes, Thai people’s attitudes toward ‘happiness’ have been reshaped and redefined by gradually making them become attached to material gains and financial wealth. The inflow of outside influences was so overwhelming to the extent of that Thai people could not realize until now that they used to live lives happily and ‘modestly’ in the past.

To remind His people of whom they are and what they represent, His Majesty the King thus decided to establish and introduce the Principle of Sufficiency Economy to the nation. Not only has this Royal concept inspired all Thais despite their occupations and financial status, it has also been recognized worldwide and transcended beyond borders and cultural differences in the fast-pacing world.

In these regards, the Royally-initiated Principle of Sufficiency Economy thus needs to be passed on to future Thai generations, in order to maintain the traditional ways of living, become more resilient toward global crises, and commemorate the Beloved King for His endless efforts and sacrifices made for His people in this great nation.

II. Brief History

"Sufficiency Economy" is a fundamental concept, overriding principle, and philosophy presented by His Majesty the King of Thailand upon His Royal initiatives and projects contributed to Thai society in the last three decades. In response to the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, His Majesty decided to recall this concept and further expound on its essence in His Royal speeches made in December that year and the year after. Until now, this Royal idea has already reminded the people on what true happiness should entail, while bringing national economy back to its normal state—that is, through sustainability policies and awareness toward balanced way of life amidst globalization and against both internal and external shocks.

III. Defining the Royal Concept

"Sufficiency" means the condition or quality of being adequate and controlled sense of modesty yet satisfaction in the living scale.

An excerpt of the Royal Speech is provided below ----

"The term sufficiency economy does not exist in the textbooks; there has never been a sufficiency economy. There are other terms but not this one. Last year, I spoke about sufficiency economy because I could not find other terms. I also added that 50 percent of its application, that is, not completely, or even only 25 percent, would be enough."

"At that time, last year, I thought that it was understood, but lately, only last month, somebody who should be in the know, someone who has participated in development work for quite a long time, came to see me and said that the sufficiency economy was a very good system, and he indicated his understanding that the application of one-fourth of the sufficiency economy means the coverage of a quarter of the area in the country. The meaning of sufficiency economy and only one-fourth of its application did not mean the area of one-fourth, but one-fourth of the extent (degree) of sufficiency. I have to come right to the point because I am worried that even a person with a Ph.D. still misunderstood my point. Perhaps I did not speak clearly enough, but when I reread what I had written from my speech, I thought that it was clearly stated that 50 per cent sufficiency or even only 25 per cent sufficiency would be enough. I meant that the application of the sufficiency economy does not necessarily mean full sufficiency, and I may add that full sufficiency is impossible. If a family or even a village wants to employ full sufficiency economy, it would be like returning to the Stone Age."

"The word sufficiency has another meaning, a wider meaning. It does not only mean self-sufficiency but also means to have enough for the individual to live on. This sufficiency was mentioned to those who were present here. In this hall -- when was it? 20 or 24 years ago, in 1974. From 1974 to 1998, it is 24 years, isn't it? On that day, I said that we should strive to have enough to live on. To have enough to live on, of course, means sufficiency economy. If everyone has enough to live on, everything will be all right. Furthermore, if the whole country can subsist, the better it would be, and Thailand at that time was on the verge of insufficiency. Some individuals had plenty, but some had practically nothing. In the past, there was enough to live on, but today, impoverishment is creeping in. We must, therefore, implement a policy of sufficiency economy so that everyone will have enough to live on."

"Sufficiency means to lead a reasonably comfortable life, without excess, or overindulgence in luxury, but enough. The word to have enough is sufficient; sufficiency is moderation...If all nation hold this concept -- I don't mean sufficiency economy -- this concept of moderation, without being extreme or insatiable in one's desires, the world will be a happier place..."

IV. Remarks

In economic context, the Principle of Sufficiency Economy has been materialized into various development projects, which can be mainly divided into seven categories, including water sources, agriculture, occupational promotion, public health, public welfare, environment, and communications.

However, this Royal concept may perhaps convey a subliminal message, advising Thai people not to forget about their distinct qualities, moral characters, and traits that truly make them Thai. Simply to say, this Royal concept has reminded the people what they learnt as a child and what they see everyday and everywhere: that is, the national flag.

With three colors symbolizing three different significances that wholly epitomize the nation and the people within, the Principle of Sufficiency Economy emphasizes on the blue color by reaffirming that His Majesty the King would always guide His people toward better lives through His Royal ideas and initiatives that could be applied nationwide to every persons regardless of genders, ages, and class differences.

Second of all, this Royal concept also acknowledges the white color by stressing upon the fundamental basis of Buddhism, a major religion that has long been guiding its believers toward "The Middle Path," on which to recognize the impermanence of all beings, and to be able to seek ultimate happiness by being moderate. However, aside from echoing religious overtone, this Royal concept could also be viewed as universal application, meaning that it would be conducive to mankind in spite of the ongoing religious and cultural disparities.

And last but not least, not only has the red color represented the nation as a whole, it also has reiterated on the concept of unity—a mutual sense of feelings and state of togetherness that have been deeply rooted ever since this nation was found.

However, unfortunately nowadays, it seems that Thai people have gradually become more alienated among each other over time, as they only concern about their differences over their similarities. Perhaps it is now the right moment to relook at the national flag and reconnect the mindsets the people had in the past to what they have now, through the Principle of Sufficiency Economy indeed.