This sign reads:
The self-sufficient economy is at the heart of solving poverty. Self-sufficient economies support the community. Self-sufficient communities support the sub-district. Self-sufficient sub-districts support the district. Self-sufficient districts support the province. Self-sufficient provinces support the nation.
- Air Chief Marshall Kongsak Wantana
Interior Minister
It should go without saying that there are many opinions about this style of statement - a style of statement so common in modern Thai political-economy.
This is important to remember.
Many people forget that disagreements and differences of opinion are crucial in democratic debate.
In my view, Thai words like “community” (ชุมชน) and “self-sufficient economy” (เศรษฐกิจพอเพียง) once reeked of radical intent. Such force has been largely stripped away.
Now these top-down pronouncements are but the hollow rhetorical grandstanding of those who require a shield for their conservative interests. Their words hide the fact that the pyramid has holes at many levels, and weaknesses in its foundations.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Dr. Ezechiel Toppo // Jul 26, 2008 at 4:08 pm
What is said about the “Self-Sufficient Economy”, there is still a grain of truth that the FUTURE of the humanity lies at the base, i.e. agriculture as monarch or pauper no matter where they have reached in the mad-race of globalization, still eat food. Food was eaten in the past, present and the people in future also will only eat food and not precious metals. Everything has undergone sea-change but ultimately “Food and food alone will prevail”, the rest will vanish into oblivion. Even today “Self-Sufficient Economy” holds a bright future for the coming generations. If we don’t protect environment and food security, humanity will soon disappear from this planet Earth. We have sinned against the Mother Earth and consequently we have witnessed the fury of nature in the form of Tsunami and Earth Quakes. Let us learn from the tribals who have still retained their wisdom ‘intact’.
2 FarmerSteve // Jul 29, 2008 at 2:42 am
Do you live on a small farm? Is there something on your farm that you never thought of using to make extra income? Well, I am going to give you some ideas on how to take your small farm and monetize it. Here are a few examples of how I make money on my farm. After reading this article, I have no doubt that you will be making extra income from something that you enjoy doing.
Do you have chickens? Ever thought about selling farm fresh eggs? My neighbors are always putting in an order for farm fresh eggs. I sell an average of 20 dozen per week at $2.25 per dozen! I started out with one customer, and by word of mouth, I now have about 15 weekly customers and that number continues to grow. I now need to increase my laying hens.
Do you have a small garden? Ever think about selling farm fresh produce? I sell fresh tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, squash, cucumbers and much more. I do this right from my farm. I have no need to go to the farmers market. Once you build a good reputation with your neighbors, the word gets out and you will have more demand then you can supply. Everyone wants fresh farm products and really do want to support their local farmers. It’s a win-win solution for everyone.
Do you have a milk cow? Sell fresh farm milk to your neighbors! Or maybe you have plenty of timber for firewood? There are many ways to optimize your small farm and learn how to live a more self sufficient healthy lifestyle at the same time.
I could keep going, but I think you get the point. All of these hobbies can really add up and everyone benefits.
3 Jonny Lyons // Sep 30, 2009 at 7:35 am
Self Sufficiency is all about efficiency. There is no room for waste in the future as populations rise and economies and people move away from agriculture in greater numbers. All civilisations have been built on effective agricultural practices and none have continued to survive without it
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