Today, The Nation is running the first in a two part series by Chang Noi on the definition of “sufficiency economy” in the Thai system. Chang Noi writes, in part, that:
The Sufficiency Economy is not so much a theory about how the world works, more a set of simple maxims about what brings success, based on practical experience. Know what you’re doing. Act honestly. Work hard. Exercise moderation. Apply insight. Build up inner resilience. According to the enthusiasts for this approach, these maxims can be applied in any situation, from the family farm to the national economy.But the disarming simplicity of these maxims also means they are capable of varying interpretations in different hands.
Over the past month, many comments on New Mandala have tried to digest the idea of “sufficiency” in the newly clarified scheme of “Thai-style democracy”. Chang Noi’s definitional overview gives a simple introduction to this crucial rhetorical and practical issue.
Hopefully tomorrow’s follow-up to this initial offering will provide more for all of us to chew on.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Bangkok Pundit // Oct 31, 2006 at 6:54 am
Part II is here.
2 nganadeeleg // Oct 31, 2006 at 7:28 am
Chang Noi’s closing statement:
“……this government is likely to clean up some of the mess left behind by its predecessor, mount some attacks on long-standing distortions of the market and provide a welcome interlude from the tendency to turn every aspect of government into a business opportunity.”
Then it will be back to ‘business as usual’ under an elected government!
3 fall // Oct 31, 2006 at 7:33 pm
In my humble opinion, “sufficient” economy if possible to implement as actual plan, will take a long, long time to reach full effect. It seem to comprise element of nationalism, protection of natural resources, and economic plan that reign-in growth.
This remind me of China’s long-term economic plan.
To put in a long-term plan that restrict growth and focus on area development, that would be real interesting for political campaign planner in the next election.
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