Feature

The Life and Work of His Majesty

BhumibolKing Adulyadej No one in the history of the Kingdom of has done so much to improve the well-being of its people as His Majesty King , also known as IX. He has initiated literally thousands of development projects that have greatly benefited the country and its people.

This is why almost every home, office and public building in Thailand is adorned with portraits of His Majesty and other members of the Royal Family, and this is also true in the homes of Hmong, Karen, Mon, Shan and other minorities along the Thai-Myanmar border. But while every Thai citizen is well aware of His Majesty’s achievements, that might not be the case with some foreigners living in Thailand. This article, written to coincide with His Majesty’s 87th birthday which the whole nation will celebrate on December 5, will surely give them a better understanding of what the King represents to the and why.

Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER Photographs COURTESY OF THE ROYAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT BOARD

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P.30-37_Royal Story.indd 31 12/3/14 6:51 PM “We shall reign with righteousness Nation” and the monarchy has become a rock solid institution, for the benefits and happiness of the ensconced firmly in the hearts of the Thai people. Siamese people.” His Majesty truly deserves to be called the Developer King for his dedication to alleviating the people’s hardships and im- THIS declaration, spoken by His Majesty at his coronation proving their quality of life. ceremony was his first public pledge to promote the welfare of all his subjects. Throughout his 65-year reign he has fulfilled Royal Development Projects this promise to the letter. Early on His Majesty was inspired by the example of his parents to work tirelessly to improve the lives The Royal Development Projects (RDPs) were directly inspired of the Thai people. Although most of his childhood was spent by the insight His Majesty gained while visiting rural areas. He in the West, he was taught to be aware of his roots and his debt realized that any projects that truly improved the lives of the to the motherland. This attitude formed a solid foundation for a people must go hand in hand with protection of the environment deep understanding of Thai society. and sustainable use of natural resources. In the early days of his reign His Majesty made many visits The first initiative to help people was initiated in 1951, to rural areas throughout Thailand. Accompanied by Her Majes- when His Majesty authorized the Department of Fisheries to ty Queen , His Majesty visited the least developed areas of acquire Tilapia mosambica fish from Penang through the UN’s Tthe country to see how the people lived. The royal couple trav- Food and Agriculture Organization. The fish were initially raised elled to every part of the country, visiting villagers and learning in the pond at the Ambarra Villa of the in . of their living conditions, problems and needs at first hand. On November 7, 1953, His Majesty distributed the fingerlings to His Majesty would then begin the process of devising village and district leaders throughout the country for propaga- schemes and projects to resolve their troubles and improve their tion and further distribution among the rural people in order to condition. Scenes of His Majesty sitting on the ground or stand- provide them with an alternative source of protein. ing shoulder to shoulder with his subjects, engaged in conversa- The first RDP which directly emphasized rural development tion, became a familiar sight that touched all Thai people. emerged in 1952 when His Majesty donated a number of bulldoz- To His Majesty, the people’s problems are also his, and so ers to the Border Patrol Police unit for construction he has never stopped striving to make their lives better. It is of a road leading to Huai Mongkol Village in of for that reason the people proclaimed their King “Father of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province. This was to enable the villagers

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P.30-37_Royal Story.indd 32 12/3/14 6:52 PM to easily commute and transport • Moisture Retention Dams their produce for sale in markets “His Majesty first elaborated To maximize the use of Thailand’s outside the village. his vision of Sufficiency Econo- annual monsoon rains, His Maj- His Majesty never simply esty designed a system of small issues instructions or gives or- my to the Thai people in 1974. “check-dams,” which regulate ders. The impetus always comes the flow of water. The creation of from the local people. Before he At that time few people recog- multiple small reservoirs gives makes any proposal, His Majes- nized its importance, but when farmers immediate benefits and ty first studies the available data also replenishes groundwater. and talks to the people involved. the financial bubble burst in He then consults with officials • Royal Projects and academics before passing 1997, people began to take a In 1969, the King introduced the initiative on to the govern- second look. Now Sufficiency a comprehensive program to ment. All royal development assist northern hill tribe people projects have started in this way. Economy is respected in Thai- engaged in unsustainable His Majesty’s development farming practices. By training projects have brought substan- land and around the world.” the hill tribe communities tial benefits and innovation not in the production of various only to his subjects but to the whole world. Some of the most handicrafts, these programs have raised their income and their important are as follows: prospects, and at the same time have benefited the environment.

• Royal Rain Project • Project His Majesty is often associated with life-giving rain because of To help the farmers of Thailand’s central plains to exploit fully his pioneering work in cloud seeding techniques. Since 1971, the the waters of the Pa Sak River, His Majesty initiated a develop- methods he developed have been used to bring drought relief to ment project that created a new reservoir for water conservation farmers and to increase water reservoirs, earning international and controlled irrigation. The dam has also helped with flood patents and interest from foreign countries. prevention on the outskirts of Bangkok.

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• New Theory on Managing Agricultural Land Its simple design and low cost make it easy to build and main- Combining concepts of water management with local control, tain, thus facilitating wide application nationwide. His Majesty developed a strategy that promotes individual household reservoirs over large communal ones, maximizing • The Rama VIII Bridge versatility while minimizing costs. Overall agricultural produc- Always conscious of the daily problems facing Thais, His Majes- tion is boosted without the need for public funds. ty suggested the construction of a new bridge across the to alleviate congestion in Phra Nakhon and Dusit • Use of Vetiver to Prevent Soil Erosion districts. Named after his brother, King , Rama To help stop the effects of soil erosion, the King initiated a VIII, the graceful bridge has become a city icon. program to plant certain varieties of vetiver grass, known for its ability to reduce siltation and stabilize soil. The systematic • Pak Phanang Project application of the program has proven effective in maximizing To stem the deterioration of the naturally fertile Pak Phanang productivity and conserving precious water. River basin due to unmanaged population growth, His Majesty N initiated co-operation between government agencies to use more • The Chaipattana Aerator effective agricultural resources, maximize economic gain, and Concerned with the quality of water in the Kingdom, His Majes- reduce harmful environmental practices. ty developed a device that keeps water oxygenated and healthy. • Renewable Energy Office of the Royal Development Project Board Long before the need for renewable biofuels was widely appar- ent, His Majesty was actively researching the resource potential of locally-made palm oil. The resulting biodiesel has become a standard additive in the nation’s fuel, and its local sourcing is an inspiration for ongoing research.

Royal Development Study Centers

In pursuit of his goal of sustainable development in rural Thailand His Majesty initiated the establishment of six Royal Development Study Centers (RDSCs) throughout the country. In these centers research is carried out to find development strategies suitable to the distinctive conditions of each region. The centers serve as “living natural museums” from which farm- ers can expand and apply their knowledge. The six centers are Khao Hin Sorn in

Interview with the Economic Preparedness Planning Division. We were Suwanna Pasiri of ORDPB involved in many security projects in the border areas, coordinating with the National Security Council and the UWANNA Pasiri is the current Deputy Secretary-Gen- military. At that time the communist party was still influential eral of the Office of the Royal Development Project in some parts of Thailand. We combated their influence by S Board (ORDPB). She has been with the ORDPB since implementing various development projects in the affected its establishment in 1981. The BigChilli talked to Mrs Pasiri areas and we were very successful. Later on, cities and vil- to get her perspective on the Board’s past, present and lages in border areas became free of communist influence. the future activities. Students who fled to the jungles to join the communists Mrs Pasiri first explained how the ORDBP came about. following events in Bangkok on October 14, 1973 returned “His Majesty began visiting his people in rural areas in 1951 to become good citizens,” Mrs Pasiri said. to find ways to help them, and he would meet with many “Ten years after we began, in 1991, we separated from government officials from different departments to discuss the NESDB and became an independent department directly how it should be done. When the King said for example, under the Prime Minister. Our office was located in the Gov- ‘We should provide water for these people,’ officials from ernment House from 1991 until 2012. We moved to the new the irrigation department started to plan for the project. The building near the Rama VIII Bridge at the end of 2012. government realized it was necessary to set up a central “As for our present activities, we are still working in the body to oversee His Majesty’s projects and coordinate same manner but more responsibilities have been added. with various government agencies and departments. This We continue in our work to consider project proposals. would also make it possible to provide funds to projects We monitor and evaluate the projects and disseminate right away without having to budget one year ahead, as information about them. We also function as a center for was the normal procedure. information about the projects.” “That’s why the ORDPB was set up on September 9, sent to us by various government departments and make According to Mrs Pasiri, from 1981 to September 1981, led by His Excellency General , our own project proposals. of this year the ORDPB has approved more than 4,600 then the Prime Minister, as chairman. We were under “We also accompany members of the royal family when projects – 3,031 for water resources development; 165 for the National Economic and Social Development Board they are visiting the people in matters related to development agricultural development, 159 for environmental develop- [NESDB]. The major task given to the Board was to direct, projects. We receive royal initiatives and forward them to ment, 325 for occupational promotion, 55 for public health, monitor and to approve projects initiated by His Majesty the different government departments to implement.” 77 for transport and communications, 395 for social welfare King and34 theThe RoyalBig Family.Chilli We consider project proposals “Before the establishment of ORDPB, we worked under and education and 240 for integrated activities and others.

P.30-37_Royal Story.indd 34 12/3/14 6:52 PM province, founded in 1979; Kung principles of conservation and Krabaen Bay in Chanthaburi prov- “His Majesty’s development environmental protection. Anoth- ince, founded in 1981; Pikun Thong projects have brought sub- er key requirement is that the in founded methods used must be simple and in 1982; Puparn in Sakon Nakhon stantial benefits and innova- easily applicable in order for the province, founded in 1982; Huai people to make a sustainable living Hong Khrai in Chiang Mai province, tion not only to his subjects according to their lifestyles. founded in 1982; and Huai Sai in but to the whole world.” The RDSCs stated objectives , founded in are, among others, to conduct 1983. The aim of the centers is to solve problems for people in study, research and experiments in search of modern agricultur- rural areas to allow them to have a better quality of life and be al techniques consistent with the topographical and social con- free from hardship while enabling them to become strong and ditions of each particular area; to serve as centers for exchange self-reliant. of experiences among academics, development workers and For more than 30 years, RDSCs have promoted the ap- the people; and to demonstrate current agricultural research plication of knowledge and technology that conforms to the projects in the form of a “living natural museum.”

As for the future of the ORDPB, Mrs Pasiri said: “As methods. Laos established a center some years ago mod- we all know, the King is unwell and is no longer visiting rural eled on the RDSCs. people. But he still does some work in regard to petitions “The Kingdom of Lesotho is another example. We sent that his subjects send him with various requests. If a petition three experts to help set up a center there and train the concerns a problem in a rural area, he will send it to us for Basotho people in innovative agricultural techniques. They consideration. We will go to the area to find out if there is really also train ‘model farmers’ who can teach others, as we do a need for assistance and if it is feasible to do something. here. We don’t give the center financial assistance but we are “When we see that a problem exists we report back to still giving technical assistance. If they request, our experts the King recommending that we should help them. We can will go there and give them advice,” Mrs Pasiri said. then support the project financially. At this moment we have “One specialist who went to Lesotho said that many about 100 petitions for projects, mostly from the farmers, that farmers used to grow vegetables that weren’t profitable have been approved and we are appropriating a budget to for them. She introduced them to new crops that not only implement them. earn them money but also provide food during the winter. study our methods. The trips are arranged by the Ministry “Some people may think that the ORDPB is no longer This made the Lesotho farmers very happy. of Foreign Affairs and the delegations mainly visit various needed because His Majesty is not so active these days, “We also frequently receive delegations that wish to RDSCs. We have had several visits from Afghani officials. but this is not true. In addition to the petitions, they are The most recent study visit was by a delegation from other members of the Royal Family who are working hard Nigeria on October 20 of this year. In 2013 we received to improve the lives of the people and implement projects, 11 delegations from different foreign countries. especially Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirind- “We have had royal visitors to the RDSCs, including horn. She is very active, working every day.” King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Queen Elizabeth II, Crown Prince of Japan, King Letsie III International sustainability sojourns and Queen Masenate of Lesotho. The former Prime Minister of India, Narasimha Rao, also made a visit,” said Mrs Pasiri. “A number of countries have expressed interest in imple- “Furthering the concept of His Majesty’s Sufficiency menting projects based on His Majesty’s initiatives and Economy is the main objective of the present government, in line with his philosophy. Officials from the Democratic and as the government office responsible for implement- Republic of Timor-Leste have visited project centers several ing and disseminating information on the concept we are times for training. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is doing our best to put it into practice in Thailand and the a prime example of another country adopting His Majesty’s world,” Mrs Pasiri concluded. TheBigChilli 35

P.30-37_Royal Story.indd 35 12/3/14 6:52 PM Commemorating a life of achievement

HE constant commitment of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulya- dej to improve the quality of life of the Thai people and mankind Training in Lesotho: His Majesty’s projects T in general has been recognized through the presentation of are improving lives around the world numerous medals and awards from international organizations. The Thai King is widely considered to be the world’s hardest working Vision for a Sustainable World for his initiatives in many fi elds. The most prestigious of all the honors is the Hu- In a lifetime of achievements, one of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s man Development Lifetime Achievement Award, a special prize given most signifi cant is without doubt the development of the Suffi ciency Economy to leaders who have exemplifi ed dedication to human development philosophy. His Majesty fi rst elaborated his vision to the Thai people in 1974. At and environmental sustainability. The award was presented to His that time few people recognized its importance because the country was enjoy- Majesty by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a ceremony at in Hua Hin on May 26, 2006 on the occasion ing robust economic growth and expansion. When the fi nancial bubble burst in of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne. 1997, people began to take a second look. Now Suffi ciency Economy is given In his presentation speech, Mr Annan told the King: “Your Majesty has the respect it deserves, not only in Thailand but around the world. made an extraordinary contribution to human development. As the world’s Suffi ciency Economy emphasizes the Middle Path in daily living for people ‘Development King,’ Your Majesty has reached out to the poorest and the of all genders, ages and walks of life. It encourages people to reach a state of most vulnerable people in Thailand regardless of their status, ethnicity self-suffi ciency and live in harmony with nature. It can be applied at the individ- or religion listened to their problems and empowered them to take their lives in their own hands. ual, community and national and international levels. The philosophy holds that “Your Majesty’s countless each individual should be conscientious in their daily conduct and strive to lead rural development projects a joyful and moderate life. have been at the forefront At the community level, of innovation and benefi tted people should join hands in millions of people across activities and participate in Thailand. They promote small- the decision-making process, scale agriculture, appropriate farming technologies, sustain- promote continuous educa- able use of water resources, tion and appropriately apply conservation, and fl ood and technology in the develop- drought mitigation. ment of the community. At “As a visionary thinker, the national level, holistic Your Majesty has played an development should be invaluable role in shaping the promoted to create balance global development dialogue. Your Majesty’s ‘Sufficiency in terms of society, econom- Economy’ philosophy – em- ics and resources. The country’s domestic potential should be analyzed to guide phasizing moderation, responsible consumption and resilience to the types of goods and services to be promoted. external shock – is of great relevance worldwide during these times of The Suffi ciency Economy can be applied at every level of organization, be it rapid globalization. It reinforces the United Nation’s effort to promote family, school, institution, corporation or government, but it has to start with individ- a people-centred and sustainable path of development.” uals. In contrast to the top-down solutions that never seem to work, the Suffi ciency Some major awards presented to His Majesty include: Special Medal of the European Parliament, July 1975; IAUP Peace Award presented by the International Association of University Presidents, September 1986; UNEP Gold Medal of Distinction presented by the UN Environment Programme, November 1992; Agricola Medal, pre- sented by the Food and Agriculture Organization, December 1995; WHO Plaque, presented by the World Health Organization, May 2000; UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the UN Development Programme, May 2006 and; IFIA Cup 2007, presented by the International Federation of Inventors Association.

Farmers in Lesotho who attended a training programme organised by the Offi ce of the Royal Development Project Board 36 TheBigChilli

P.30-37_Royal Story.indd 36 12/3/14 6:52 PM Father of the land

IS Majesty King Bhumibol Aduladyej was born in Cambridge, , USA on December 5, 1927, the third and H youngest child of Their Royal Highness Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkla. The name he was given, Bhumibol Adulyadej, directly translated as “Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power,” has proven to be prophetic. As his reign advances through critical Economy is going from the bottom to the top, from the smallest unit and expanding periods, the Thai nation revolves more and more around the throne ever wider. As His Majesty said, “development must burst from within.” as a source of unity and strength. According to His Majesty, the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy is embodied In many respects it seems that King Bhumibol Adulyadej was in three principles: Moderation, Reasonableness and Self-immunity. Moderation destined from birth to be a cardinal force in shaping the modern Thai means not going to extremes, proceeding with interdependence and with caution. nation, in keeping with the legacy of his royal lineage. He is the grand- Reasonableness means acting with flexibility and without excess; shunning son and direct descendant of King , or Rama V, who is renowned for the comprehensive reform of all institutions of Thailand overindulgence and luxury but taking care to provide enough to guarantee a (then Siam) to bring them up to date and in line with the increasingly good lifestyle. Self-immunity means that all people have sufficient protection Western-oriented world. from internal and external factors. King Bhumibol’s father, Prince Mahidol, was perhaps the most There are perceptions that the Sufficiency Economy principle is applicable modern-minded of all the sons of King Chulalongkorn. His life was only to the rural and agriculture sectors. In fact it is a philosophy that can be dedicated to the development of progressive ideas, particularly in the applied to all aspects of life, from managing household budgets to the financial medical sciences. In fact he is known as the Father of the Thai Medical Profession. affairs of large corporations. However, since the majority of Thai people are Prince Mahidol passed away when His Majesty was not yet two engaged in agriculture, His Majesty years old. After a brief period of primary schooling in Bangkok, His has suggested a practical tool to help Majesty left with the rest of the royal family for Switzerland, where he reach the goals of the Sufficiency continued his secondary education at the Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Economy – the “New Theory” of Romande, Chailly sur . He received the Bachelier ès Lettres integrated farming practices. diploma from the Gymnase Classique Cantonal of Lausanne. He then This set of systematic guidelines entered Lausanne University for a program of study in the sciences, but the death of his elder brother King Ananda Mahidol in Bangkok for proper management of land and on June 9, 1946 changed the course of his life completely. The law of water resources is designed so that succession bestowed on him the arduous challenges of the throne. farmers can be self-sufficient and have His Majesty decided to go back to Switzerland for another period security in their occupations. It is a of study, but this time in Political Science and Law, in order to equip blueprint to strengthen families and himself with the proper knowledge for government. communities in a step-by-step manner. An understanding of the sense of responsibility that impelled His Majesty to bring help and benefits to his people can be gleaned from the following passage of “When I left Siam for Switzerland,” written Sufficiency Philosophy goes Global by His Majesty in 1949: “…The car passed through the crowd extremely slowly and on On December 4, 1988, His Majesty proclaimed approaching Wat Benjamabopitr it began to speed slightly. At that that the Sufficiency Economy is not only for the moment, I heard the sound of someone crying out loud ‘Don’t desert Thai people but for everyone in the world. This is your people!’ I wanted to call back that as long as the people did not absolutely correct, as the wisdom of the philosophy ‘desert’ me, how could I ever ‘desert’ them?” is in no way diminished by national borders. It can By chance, some 20 years later His Majesty met with the very person who had called out to him. His Majesty told the man: “Your be applied as a way of thinking and living to protect words made me aware of my duty and brought me back.” our world, from global warming for example. In May 1950 His Majesty returned to Thailand for the coronation The Sufficiency Economy philosophy has been ceremony, and then went back to Switzerland for another period of officially adopted for use in some countries like study. The urgent call of his country and people brought him back to Afghanistan, where in 2003, Thailand actively joined Thailand in 1951 to stay. the UN’s program for rehabilitation of the country. His Majesty met and became engaged in July 19, 1949 to Mom Rajawongse Sirikit, daughter of His Highness Prince Chandaburi Thailand was involved in plans to promote the devel- Suranath and Mom Luang Bua Kitiyakara (born Mom Luang Bua opment of Afghanistan in a sustainable manner. Snidwongse). His Highness Prince Chandaburi Suranath was the third Over the years the ORDPB and the RDSCs have hosted numerous foreign son of his Royal Highness Prince Chandaburi Narunath and Her Serene researchers, scientists, diplomats and other dignitaries that included delegations Highness Absarasman Kitiyakara. from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Chile, Germany, Israel, Laos, Lesotho Their Majesties were married by Her Majesty Queen Sawang and Indonesia as well as diplomats based in Thailand. Wadhana, the parental grandmother of His Majesty at Sra Pathum Palace in Bangkok on April 28, 1950. Sources: Office of the Royal Development Project Board; a memoir of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand published in 1987, and publications of the Royal Thai government.

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