(English - Part 1) King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Conservation on Natural Resources and Environment

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His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Conservation on Natural Resources and Environment

Department of Environmental Quality Promotion Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

“I am pleased to preside over the public audience for Thai citizens and all institutions.

Thank you for the congratulatory messages and grand celebrations organised especially for me.

The government has made fine preparations and Thai citizens have shown their goodwill throughout the nation.

I am gratified by today’s gathering because everyone came to express sincerity.

I am thankful for the well-wishers and the way they have acted in unison.

I feel heartened by unity and would like to remind all about some underlying principles to guide Thai citizens in joining together to preserve and develop their country to new heights of prosperity.

First, everyone should show kindness and compassion to ensure the mental and physical well-being of one another.

Second, people should strive to cooperate for the mutual benefit of oneself, others and the country.

Third, everyone should uphold honesty and observe rules and traditions with impartiality.

Fourth, everyone should adhere to righteous thinking and act reasonably.

If Thai citizens think and act in an agreeable and constructive manner, then the country will surely thrive.

Everyone in the public audience and all Thai citizens should strictly follow these principles and propagate them in perpetuity so the country can remain in peace and happiness for the present as well as the future.

May the goodness of the Buddhist Triple Gems and universal sacredness bless the country so as to overcome dangers and allow Thai citizens to live in bliss and prosperity.

”

His Majesty’s Speech 9 June 2006 The Balcony of Ananta Samakhom Throne, Dusit Palace

Members of the Royalty from 25 countries, including Kings and Queens, joined the nationwide celebration on the occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Accession to the Throne.

Sitting from left: 1. His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois, Liechtenstein 2. Her Majesty Queen Sofia, Spain 3. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Monaco 4. Her Majesty Tengku Fauziah binti Al-Marhum Tengku Abdul Rashid, the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Malaysia 5. His Majesty Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XII, Malaysia

6. His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri, Luxembourg 7. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Qatar 8. His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatar 9. His Majesty King Mswati III, Swaziland 10. Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaDube, Swaziland 11. Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, Brunei Darussalam 12. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Brunei Darussalam

13. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej 14. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit 15. His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, Sweden 16. Her Majesty Queen Silvia, Sweden 17. His Majesty Emperor Akihito, Japan 18. Her Majesty Empress Michiko, Japan 19. His Majesty King Letsie III, Lesotho 20. Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Lesotho 21. His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, Jordan

22. His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Baromneath Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodia 23. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait 24. Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Salma, Morocco 25. His Royal Highness Prince Henrik, Denmark 26. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Bahrain Standing from left: 1. Khun Ploypailin Jensen, Thailand 2. Her Royal Highness Princess Siribhachudabhorn, Thailand 3. Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Thailand 4. Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali, Thailand

5. His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Taimour Al-Said, Oman 6. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 7. Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Norway 8. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, Norway 9. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, Thailand 10. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, Bhutan 11. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand 12. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Thailand

13. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a, Tonga 14. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Netherlands 15. Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima, Netherlands 16. Princess Ubol Ratana, Thailand 17. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Philippe, Belgium 18. Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde, Belgium 19. His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York, United Kingdom 20. Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, Thailand 21. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Thailand 22. Khun Sirikitiya Jensen, Thailand

Royal Speech by

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Brunei Darussalam on Occasion of the Royal Banquet given by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand in Honour of Foreign Monarchs and Royalties Bangkok, 13 June 2006

“Your Majesty, Queen Sirikit, Most Distinguished Fellow Guests, Your Majesty, We have the honour and great pleasure to join Your Majesties today for two reasons.

Firstly we are here, like the people everywhere in this proud and ancient Kingdom, to offer a very simple personal message to Your Majesty and your beloved Queen Sirikit.

We offer our warmest congratulations and our heartfelt best wishes to you both and to the people of Thailand. We do this with deepest of respect.

This occasion, however, demands much more than our simple goodwill no matter how warmly and sincerely it is expressed.

So, there is another equally important reason for our presence in your beautiful country. If there is a single word to express it. Your Majesty, I believe it would be the word, “honour”.

We are here, Your Majesty, to honour you and your people and to honour your life as their leader, their inspiration and their revered Head of State.

Your Majesty’s reign is one of the longest in history.

That, however, is a matter for academic record and we are not here to celebrate mere records.

We are here to honour the substance of that reign.

We are here to express our profound esteem for the personal qualities with which Your Majesty has so enriched it.

Its sixty years are not just sixty years in the history of Thailand. They are, in so many ways, the history of our times, the good and the bad, the joyous and the sad, the exciting and the desperate.

These times have brought the most rapid and far-reaching changes ever seen in Man’s history. They have challenged every aspect of our existence, above all as sovereign

nation. They have presented moments when great decisions and judgement have been called for.

To these moments, Your Majesty has brought the dignity, wisdom, courage that we all seek to offer those we are called upon to lead.

You have never sought to distance yourself from the lives of your people. You have never asked them to be follows or mere subjects. You have shared their joys, fears and disappointments.

You have made them deeply proud of their heritage and their identity. You have made your people feel that the Kingdom of Thailand is indeed their own Kingdom. Above all, I feel, you have given them confidence.

Much of this comes from Your Majesty’s own personal achievements. These have rightly been a source of great inspiration to your people whether academic, artistic, and scientific, or in the most human of terms the simple example of a good and loving father.

All these achievements have now been recognized by the international community. And we offer you our warmest congratulations on the Lifetime Achievement Award that has been conferred by the United Nations.

Your Majesty, In recognizing all these accomplishments some accounts of your reign have accorded you the title “The Great”. We can all understand why.

But, for us who have come to honour you here, a simpler title expresses our feelings. It is a dear and very special title.

You are our friend and our most respected colleague.

You inspire us all and we, Your Majesty’s peers and admirers, honour you most deeply for this.

We wish Your Majesties and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand many more years of great happiness and prosperity.

Thank you.

”

The UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award

A special UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment during their lifetime to furthering the understanding and progress of human development in a national, regional or global context. This is the first time such a Lifetime Achievement Award has been awarded, and awarded to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Development King UN Presented an Award

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 26 May 2006 at Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangvon Palace, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khirikhan Province on the occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.

Citation Statement The Presentation of the Human Development Award to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand By the UN Secretary-General 26 May 2006

The United Nations is honoured to present to Your Majesty the United Nations Development Programme First Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award. We do this on the auspicious occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of Your Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.

Your Majesty has made an extraordinary contribution to human development. As the world’s “Development King”, Your Majesty has reached out to the poorest and the most vulnerable people of Thailand, regardless of their status, ethnicity or religion, listened to their problems, and empowered them to take their lives in their own hands.

Your Majesty’s countless rural development projects have been at the forefront of innovation and benefited millions of people across Thailand. They have promoted small-scale agriculture, appropriate farming technologies, sustainable use of water resources, conservation, and flood and drought mitigation.

As a visionary thinker, Your Majesty has played an invaluable role in shaping the global development dialogue. Your Majesty’s “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy emphasizing balance, moderation, rational, moral and resilience to external shocks, is of great relevance worldwide during these times of rapid globalization. It reinforces the United Nation’s efforts to promote a people-centred and sustainable path of development.

With this Award, we hope to further promote the invaluable experiences and lessons learnt from Your Majesty’s development endeavours, and help draw attention to Your Majesty’s visionary thinking beyond the borders of the Kingdom of Thailand. At this opportunity, it is our greatest honour and privilege to present to Your Majesty this Lifetime Human Development Award.

Contents His Majesty’s Initiatives and Speeches on Natural Resources Conservation ....................................................................................

His Majesty’s Activities on Natural Resources Conservation ...............................................................................

19

477

His Majesty’s Honours and Recognition .......................... 573 From Our Hearts The Celebrations on the Occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne ................................................................

579

His Majesty’s Initiatives and Speeches on Natural Resources Conservation

“Some people may not understand why I am interested in irrigation and forestry.

I remembered when I was ten years old, I had a teacher who taught me in our science class about soil conservation.

The teacher asked me to note down in writing that a mountain should be covered by trees otherwise surface soil would be rapidly eroded by rainfall, causing damage.

Eventually, mountains lose much soil because it is being flushed.

This is a principle of forestry concerning soil conservation and irrigation.

It states that if we do not have forests in the mountains, we will have problems.

Soil that is lost from the mountains becomes sediments in dams and rivers, giving way to flooding.

That was what I learned when I was ten years old.

�

25 September 1969

22

“It is important to develop existing natural resources in the most efficient way.

Development should be creative and not destructive, particularly in the case of water resources because the majority of the people are farmers. They depend on water for their livelihood and for domestic consumption. Furthermore, water is important to the industrial sector.

Water resources have to be developed in river basins without concerning the administrative border line. The problem that we should be careful about is this: if it is not necessary, we should not take away advantages enjoyed by inhabitants of the area. If the site for a reservoir is in an area that is of least use or benefit, the construction project could result in budget savings and could be finished early, without causing disputes and protests from the people.

Rural development should also take into consideration conservation of other resources.

For instance, forests can earn incomes for the country while also conserving the natural ecosystem, including watershed, flora, and wildlife. Forests also serve as places for conserving a country’s national uniqueness, with regard to tourism and recreation. When the developed area is safe, the people can earn incomes. This in turn promotes national security. Target areas have to be clearly selected in relation to agricultural promotion and the preservation of the ecosystem.

The development of border areas for security and safety should be implemented in parallel and in harmony with the interior areas.

�

29 November 1985 Sakon Nakhon Province

23

“I

n development, plain topography should be utilized in plain areas whereas a mountainous topography should be utilized in mountain areas.

Utilization of areas is classified by topography, because topography is larger than us.

We are not more important than topography. “Relocating” the topography of an area is more difficult than moving ourselves. By this I mean to include our body, our brain, and our thoughts, which must be in harmony with the topography of specific areas.

This is one principle of development.

”

30 June 1977

24

“Rural development is an important and difficult task.

It has to be done using our capability and wisdom, which includes both perception and cleverness.

It also has to be done with sincerity.

�

13 June 1969

25

“We go there to give help.

We cannot force the people to join us.

We go there and ask the people what they really want and explain to them until they understand, this being the principle of getting there to develop, then the development will be useful.

�

26

“In helping, the principle is we will help the people so that they can help themselves.

�

30 June 1977

27

“In my mind, the problems of the world and those of Thailand arose mainly because of the insufficiency of some resources, and a problem that has a major impact on the lives of people the world over is the shortage of water for consumption.

This is part of our environmental problems.

�

29 December 1989

28

“Water is an essential need of human beings, and not only humans but all living things, including animals and plants. They need water.

If there is no water, there is no life, because water is an essential medium or element for keeping us alive. Even non-living things might need water as well.

Otherwise, they would be whatever we do not know. For instance, things that are in crystal form must have water in their content. If there is no water, they will not be crystal and will become amorphous.

Therefore, water is an important resource. I mentioned the above to let you know why my first thoughts concerning development are about irrigation and, secondly, on maintaining a good environment that provides clean water. These two things can make other things happen. Thus, these are important for development. Other things are their consequence, such as the method of cultivation or technical knowledge related to industry, trade, finance and others.

�

29 December 1989

29

“There is a lot of water on earth but most of it is seawater that cannot be used.

In addition, water that is increasing nowadays is polluted water.

There is always polluted water but we should not allow polluted water to cause too much problem. Therefore, this is a project that should be done. If it is not done urgently, then we are going to sleep in polluted water.

Clean water is scarce. Even when we buy imported water, it will eventually be polluted because we use water without consideration.

�

4 December 1989

30

“A major task that has been carried out mostly concerns irrigation projects.

The government has supported plantation, cultivation, and livelihood. Community management, including co-operation and group collaboration, is also important but the majority of projects have been irrigation projects. This is because if there is no irrigation, the country will become arid and cultivation will not be successful. If there is no cultivation, then there is no agriculture which is a sector that directly provides benefits to the people.

When we talk about irrigation, we then think about agriculture. However, water is also needed for the people’s consumption as well as for use in the industrial sector.

When anyone talks about agriculture, he or she also thinks only of cultivation.

We will be able to make our country secure, progressive, and empowered through industry.

That is right. In contrast, the industrial sector needs more water than agriculture.

All of its production processes need water. Regardless of whether little or no water is used, the environment will be affected if there is no water. Therefore, water is important to agriculture, industry and the livelihood of humans. That is why I am interested in irrigation as my priority.

�

26 July 1989

31

“The problem is how to use water. Without our concern, water will be in short supply or will be unusable and will be discharged as polluted water.

This means that we discharge water uselessly.

The lesser the percentage or portion of clean water means that very little amount of water can be used. Fortunately, water is still enough especially in areas where water is discharged into the sea.

Thus, we have to know how we can use good water efficiently.

�

29 December 1989

32

“Usable water comes from precipitation which brings a considerable amount of water.

This is fresh water because it is distilled from seawater and terrestrial water.

It is not salty or contaminated.

When rain falls, water evaporates in the atmosphere again. We gain on the average only 25 percent of water from rainfall and the rest evaporates or penetrates into the soil and is unusable. That is, only 25 percent of water is left, with some flowing directly into the sea and cannot be used.

�

29 December 1989

33

“The amount of water that can be used or is being used is only 0.014 percent of the total amount water on earth.

This is little water. Of this amount, we cannot use some.

Therefore, we have very little water left compared with the total amount of water on earth.

However, even this very little amount of water is still sufficient for the world’s population. After calculation, it is plenty.

”

29 December 1989

34

“S

peaking about water shortage, it is our mistake to let water flow freely into the sea when we should store it. In contrast, if it is stored, floods will occur.

This is a big problem. This means we have to manage water well.

�

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

35

“I used to speak for many years about the practice of keeping water sufficiently and properly.

The word ‘sufficiently’ means it is sufficient to consume and utilize in households and for agricultural and industrial use. There should be sufficient supply.

If not, everything will be halted. Then everything that we are proud of, such as our progress, will stop.

There will be no progress if there is no water.

”

4 December 1993

36

“Therefore, one reason for storing water is to compensate the loss of cultivation areas. In addition, I think that if we can store water that causes flood at sites where water will not flow down, floods and their potential damage can be mitigated. Thus, it is good to find a way to store water that causes flood and use it to earn an income.

The above mentioned shows that by implementing a project to prevent problems, we can increase production. Therefore, having an irrigation project to prevent or minimize damage and to increase production in the dry season is a double benefit.

That is, no money is needed to correct or mitigate the people’s sufferings, while they are able to earn a living and double their income.

”

4 December 1990

37

“There is a lot of water on earth. Only a ten-thousandth part of it or may be less is used.

Water should be well managed. It is as simple as that. Now there is a problem related to water.

We must use water well because water is useful. We use it for domestic consumption, agriculture, and industry.

We need to use good water for those purposes, this means we need clean water.

�

4 December 1989

38

“In the past few years, there were a lot of reasons that caused water shortage. The experts sometimes do not know why.

They said that the reason was that the trees were cut. This is only one reason.

There are other reasons that cause water shortage.

�

4 December 1993

39

“Water evaporates at high temperatures and makes the weather cool. If that is so, then there should be no problem because the more water evaporates, the more it will not cause flood. There is still some hope.

4 December 1989

40

�

“The burning of fuel, such as wood, coal, oil, and others, releases five billion tons of carbon dioxide per year into the air.

There are another one and half billion tons from slash and burn agriculture.

In total there are six and a half billion tons. If those activities keep increasing, the amount of carbon dioxide will be as much as ten percent of that exists in the atmosphere. If there is no way to decrease this gas in the air, it will act like a glasshouse covering the earth and cause the earth to get warmer.

�

4 December 1989

41

“Flood will originate from the sea because the environment is changed. It is said that there is a lot of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere which acts like a glasshouse covering the earth.

The earth grows warmer and the ice is expected to melt into the sea. There will be more water in the sea because the sea expands. Things that are heated will expand and the volume will increase as well.

When water expands, lowlands like Bangkok will be flooded. What they said made me interested in this topic and I tried to find out its cause. I got the information that what increases carbon dioxide in the air is fossil fuel burning.

�

4 December 1989

42

“Humans must have water for drinking.

The industry must also use water to run operations.

Everything needs water to operate and survive.

�

4 December 1994 Dusidalai Hall

43

“S

ome people said that there are two large rivers, but why have we not utilized them. In fact, we have used them already. We seldom use Salawin River.

On the other hand, Kong River is already used by people along the river banks that start from the northeastern region from Loei to Ubon Ratchathani Provinces. This may not please those who initiate large projects, but this is a part of a large project. There were also small projects, such as pumping water up from the Kong River. The construction of reservoirs for generating electricity and providing irrigation were large projects. Electricity was used to pump water from Kong River. The first project was at Prung River in Sakon Nakhon Province, which provides electricity to pump water at Nakhon Phanom Province. This has been going on for 20 to 30 years.

�

29 December 1989

44

“About the diversion of water from Salawin River and Kong River, water from Salawin River is diverted to the Chao Phraya River, and from Kong River in Chiang Rai Province to Phayao Province, discharging into the Chao Phraya River. Water from Kong River is also diverted to the Chi-Moon Project.

Technically, these projects are feasible. I do not claim to be an expert but I do understand that these could be done and are useful. However, there are some technical limits and the projects could not succeed.

For instance, in the season when the water level in the Kong River is low, water is not diverted to other river basins. While this is a political issue, it is also more importantly a technical issue as the river could run dry and cause impacts on the environment and on downstream users. This is one of the limits.

The limit is that, in the season with large amounts of water, we do not need water from Kong River because there will be floods.

That means politically or technically we are allowed to draw water, but in the end we do not use the water we draw since it is allowed only when there is an abundant amount of water in the river. We can draw water when we have plenty of water.

Therefore the project is not worth the investment.

�

29 December 1989

45

“I

f I would like to say that the entire Kong River Project can be considered as a Royal-initiated Project, it is because over 30 years ago, in a committee meeting attended by representatives from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, I spoke about the procedures.

If such procedures were carried out, there would be no wars in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Unfortunately, the procedures were not done.

�

29 December 1989

46

“Now let us look at a river. Water is flowing along the stream into a canal; and some of the water flows into reservoirs and waterfalls, and finally into a river, such as the Chao Phraya River. From here, the water flows into canals and from the canals to the sea.

Water changes all the time. At first, it is a rain drop or fog that condenses into a water drop.

This water seems clear. When it reaches the Chao Phraya River, it becomes turbid and is mixed with mud. After it passes an industrial factory, it is contaminated by pollutants. As it continues to flow, the water is less clean. Some people say it is dirty, others say it is rotten and useless.

Complaints persist as the water passes, making its way into a canal. This water is pushed by the surging flow of water, thus flooding houses and causing the people to complain about dirty and foul-smelling water. This means that water is the object of complaints all the time.

�

29 December 1986

47

“There is no way for pollution in Bangkok to disappear.

The thing is pollution is created. It is produced through many ways.

What is the population of Bangkok? Nowadays it is climbing up to 10 millions.

Many people do not respect nature. The old, natural way is to plant vegetables, grass and trees for household consumption and use. New trees grow and consume fertilizer.

Trees also consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

This is not the case in Bangkok. Food is obtained from areas outside Bangkok, some are even from outside the country; although most food is local, it is nevertheless obtained outside Bangkok.

Food is cultivated with the use of fertilizers which are imported.

Now some fertilizers are being produced in the country.

In general, the majority of plants and vegetables in Bangkok are grown in areas outside Bangkok.

They are transported to Bangkok for consumption and are excreted as waste.

The more waste produced, the more difficult is its treatment.

The reason is that in Bangkok there are no trees or others plants that could make use of this waste.

�

26 July 1989

48

“B

angkok does not have water resources. Raw water for Bangkok is drawn from the Chao Phraya River through Prapa Canal. The Chao Phraya River is getting worse.

Sewerage that is not treated is dangerous. In Australia, in the southern part, there is a project that puts sewerage in canals and pipes near the sea. Then there is a huge lagoon that covers many hundreds rais. Water is treated until it is no longer dirty and it is then drained into the sea. We cannot do this. It is like taking water out of the pond. The Bang-Pu area should be expropriated. There are a lot of appropriate sites but there is no way to do it. The method for doing it must be explored. We have to think carefully. It is a job for environmental experts.

�

26 July 1989

49

“The management and control of water levels in various canals, particularly the management of water drainage in Bangkok, should be set up according to the area’s particular situation and topography. There should be two plans.

The first plan is to be used during the rainy or wet season for flood protection and disaster mitigation. However, the drainage plan for the dry season should be different and should be mainly for eliminating or flushing polluted water from the canals.

�

4 April 1995

50

“I have been making observations in the past ten years. Many times when I get on a helicopter and fly around Bangkok, I notice the blackish color of water in the canals, especially Phrakanong Canal and at the end of the Phadung-Krungkasem Canal. Nowadays water in the entire Chao Phraya River is black.

This is because of sewerage which is eventually discharged into the sea. The sea becomes polluted and the fishes die and decompose. There is no way to create a cycle whereby pollution turns to good things, like fertilizer. There is no way to make it disappear.

This is the nature of pollution.

�

26 July 1989

51

“I

f we want the project on wastewater treatment to work, it must be implemented at every place, hotel, restaurant, and other establishments.

They have to follow laws on the use of wastewater treatment facilities.

For each place, the installation cost is not low whereas the maintenance cost is around million Baht per year. I invented a simple prototype that follows the principle of my initiative project.

That is, whatever we can do, then do it without spending a lot of money and do it seriously. If not, Bangkok will not survive.

�

26 July 1989

52

“Besides using the canal as part of the drainage system, we also divert water for flushing to make water in the canal better, starting with three canals: Thewes, Lord, and Saen Sap. The second phase is at Ladprao Canal that connects to Lord and Don Muang Canals. The project works well.

Water in the canals is much cleaner. The method of flushing is to shut and open the water gate at proper time intervals.

During high tide, the gate is opened to let clean water into the canal and to push polluted water out.

During low tide, the gate is also opened to transfer the polluted water out of the canal.

�

12 November 1996

53

54

“There are many experiments to treat polluted water in Bangkok depending on the environment in each area. However, it is noted that every technique aims to utilize nature one way or the other because natural techniques save a lot of budget.

For the Bung Makkasan Project, its major objective is to solve water pollution problem by using natural water filter.

The technique was tested in the Chitralada Palace prior to its dissemination to the public. The by-product is water hyacinth that can be harvested and decomposed as fertilizer or fermented as biogas, making the plant a useful content of fuel and animal feed.

Meanwhile, the treated water is clean and can be discharged into natural canals. The process will start treating new batch of polluted water over and over again in a cycle. At all times, water in Bung Makkasan is half dirty and half clean therefore it cannot be developed as a public park for recreation.

The most important thing that should be considered is to continuously analyze toxic substances absorbed by the water hyacinth, making sure that it is safe for use as a by-product.

If this project works well, other projects like this should be planned in other areas in Bangkok.

�

15 November 1985 Sakon Nakhon Province

55

“Water hyacinth eats impurities and it grows well. Therefore, we should make use of it otherwise it will cover our ponds and become an additional impurity. Water hyacinth grows and dies in the water and pollutes the water. Through this technique, water hyacinth can be used as fertilizer.

This goes back to our original objective that plants which grow in nature need fertilizer.

So instead of giving them fertilizer, we give them naturally decomposed plants and the grown plants are re-circulated to make fertilizers in other areas.

This is profit. Moreover, water hyacinth can be used as firewood by mixing it with chaff then compressing the mixture and burning it like coal.

It can be used as animal feed as well. This wastewater treatment is explored using the natural technique. What has to be done with the pond is to construct a dike and then pump polluted water from Samsen Canal to Sansaeb Canal.

�

26 July 1989

56

“When the causes of water pollution and why the amount of polluted water increases have been understood, a project like Bung Makkasan has to be carried out to reduce the problem.

I saw Bung Makkasan, a property of the Royal Thai Railways, has been abandoned. I have thought about it for several years without speaking out, because it is a large area of 120 rai. It is located in the city center.

The market price is ten or twenty thousand Baht per rai. Actually, at present it costs a hundred thousand Baht per rai and the total runs up to many hundred millions or thousands of millions of Baht. I would like to implement the project but did not dare to propose anything. However, one day I must dare to do it because no one did. That is why I mentioned about this natural technique of using water hyacinth.

�

26 July 1989

57

“W

ater hyacinth is useful to add oxygen to water and absorb pollution from water.

It has to frequently harvest out from the treatment pond before it rods and decreases its treatment efficiency.

Finding out how to harvest the water hyacinth simply should be done. Furthermore, a house for decomposing water hyacinth to fertilizer, bio-fuel, and pulp should be prepared nearby the pond. The decomposition house, which is nearby the treatment pond, is a place where experts from agencies can work together closely.

Meantime, staff of water treatment plant can finish jobs.

In addition, transportation cost of water hyacinth can be saving as well.

�

26 November 1989 Nongsanom, Sakon Nakhon Province

58

“... Bangkok has to have green area

assuming as kidney to clean the pollution and diseases.

Parks work like lungs and green areas work like kidney cleaning blood. If the kidney does not work well, we will die. I want you to understand this principle. ...

�

April 1985

59

“The major objective of this project in summer is eliminating polluted water by water hyacinth and in rainy season storing water and draining excess water.

For the minor objective is to decompose water hyacinth to fertilizer, bio-fuel, and pulp.

To promote cultivation of aqua-plants such as Chinese morning glory and to treat water for aqua-culture is included as well.

�

8 June 1987 Makkasan Swamp Project

60

“In case of Bung Makkasan, we do not use aerators because the pollution is toxic.

In contrast, the natural technique by using water hyacinth can use carbon dioxide and absorb pollution. After that we harvest the water hyacinth and decompose it to fertilizer.

That causes carbon dioxide too but less, and we can add this fertilizer to trees and trees can get carbon dioxide. The thing is not to increase carbon dioxide and try to find out a technology that releases less carbon dioxide or releases carbon dioxide in the place where it can be absorbed. Do not release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

The earth’s protection system from heat and radiation will be destroyed.

”

26 July 1989

61

“The Bung Makkasan Project has been developed based on what is known as a poor man’s approach.

The principle is to use commonly found water hyacinth to absorb pollution and to make the water clean.

It is a natural filter that makes use of sunlight and natural plant growth.

”

April 1985

62

“Using natural means is not enough to treat polluted water.

We need to use mechanical aerators to operate aeration pond systems.

�

63

“Like what I said, polluted water can be used for agriculture. However, this would need access to a piece of land that is approximately 5,000 rai in area. If someone donates such land near Bangkok, it would be feasible to divert polluted water from Bangkok to this area and treat it within two years.

This project will work very well. I am not an engineer or a high-calibre scientist. I only have little knowledge but I ask experts for help. Because of this, I am certain that it will work. If someone donates a 5,000 rai-land that is reasonably close to Bangkok, I will show that it will work. The result will come up before my retirement.

The problem is there is no available land. If we buy, this will cost several thousand million Baht.

Where will this money come from? It is difficult. At present I am thinking to spend 100 million Baht, but nobody wants to sell such a big piece of land.

�

29 December 1989

64

“I

have thoughts on a project to establish a new town. However, this town is different from others in the sense that it will be established in a way that it will not create problems.

My new town will be a model and will make present-day Bangkok a beautiful and comfortable city that is historic and nice to look at.

The new town will be beautiful and everything in it will be convenient. The transport system will be above the ground or under the ground.

First of all, there should be a good plan so there will be no problem.

Constructing an underground train poses a problem.

It may run into piles. The proposed project will not have such a problem as there will be no piles at the proposed site.

There will be appropriate systems of transportation, including roads, skyways, tunnels, canals for boats, and drainage canals.

All these can be done successfully.

Trust me, I am thinking about establishing an ideal town. Bangkok will be an ideal Bangkok and the new town will be an ideal town as well.

Bangkok will not be moved to somewhere far away but it will be rehabilitated.

�

22 March 1994

65

“As for Sansaeb Canal, which Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited, I actually personally surveyed it prior to Her visit. I quietly took a boat from Sapatum Palace through Sansaeb Canal. At that time, it smelled very badly and the water level was rather high. As we passed bridges that were dirty and messy, my guards had to warn me to bow down otherwise my head would hit the bridges.

It was very beneficial to see the real situation and the real life of people dwelling under these bridges.

My trip took me along the entire Sansaeb Canal and ended at the mouth of Bangkapi Canal. The information and real situation will be analyzed to find ways to solve problems.

�

12 November 1996

66

“Other important problems concern the environment, including polluted water and solid waste. I have studied these and these can be solved without great difficulty.

Technically, the problems can be solved by applying foreign technology or by hiring companies from overseas. This can be done but the problem is, “This is my land.”

This is the same problem. I am thinking to do it but the problem is about the land.

The project I am planning to do is not too difficult. Pollution caused by toxic substances and heavy metals can be removed using certain methods.

One is by scrubbing either by air or no air, then discharging the water into a treatment pond or field. The field can be developed as a grass field for animals while parts of it can be reserved for cultivation and planting.

Theoretically, it is very easy. If a 5,000 rai-land is provided, I will show you how to do it. The problem is there is no 5,000 rai-land available. Is this a technical problem?

”

29 December 1989

67

“I have been talking about the Monkey Cheek Project (Kaem Ling) for many years.

Right now I understood that the project has done reasonably well.

Bangkok is not flooded this year.

The Monkey Cheek Project is carried out in flooded places and it works well.

�

4 December 1997

68

“When I talk about the Monkey Cheek (Kaem Ling) Project, some people might not understand why the project is called monkey cheek. I have explained what it is, but some people might not have fully appreciated it.

Monkey cheek traces its origins to a lady named Mani-mekala who is a member of the M.T. Office. What is the M.T. Office?

This information is provided for the first time. Before and after office hours, M.T. stands for Monkey Troop Office.

The seal of the Office is the San Phrakan (the Spirit House of Phrakan). The monkeys living down there do not eat bananas. They do not keep bananas in their cheeks. Normally, when we give a monkey a banana, it will chew and chew and keep the banana in its cheeks. In contrast, the monkeys at Lop Buri Province do not eat bananas. The Lop Buri Provincial Governor knows that the monkeys there eat only at Chinese roundtable feasts.

However, a monkey behaves as a monkey does. I remember when I was five years old, I gave a monkey a piece of banana. It chewed, chewed and chewed and kept the banana in its cheeks. That is how the Monkey Cheek Project originated-since I was five years old. This was 63 years ago. The monkey at that time, the ancient monkey, already had monkey cheeks. It chewed the food and kept it in its cheeks. When the floods come, if there is no Monkey Cheek Project, many areas will be flooded. Just like this year, the central region is flooded all over.

The Monkey Cheek Project should be developed so as to retain water. When seawater rises, water cannot be discharged.

Water enters the river, as far as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Floods cannot be mitigated. When the seawater level is low, the floodwater cannot return to the Chao Phraya River, so flooding continues. That is why monkey cheeks must be developed. I try to drain out water when there is a chance, just like the project I mentioned on September 19.

For that project, I asked for the construction of a water storage pond on the east bank, and it is working quite well.

The water level in Ladkrabang District dropped within a few days.

�

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

69

“The other day I came back from Sakon Nakhon Province.

Before the plane landed at Don Muang Airport, I asked the pilot to fly the plane in a circle to survey the flood situation one more time. Apparently, the Monkey Cheek Project started last year is working satisfactorily.

Water can be drained into the sea from both two sides.

It relieves the flooding problem at a considerable level.

�

12 November 1996

70

“One of the methods is to store water in the highlands, like storing water in a dam.

There are two large dams, the King Dam and the Queen Dam. This time the King Dam prevents flooding by retaining about 9,000 million cubic meters of water, while the Queen Dam retains 6,000 to 7,000 million cubic meters.

This does not include existing water in the dams. Without these two dams, about 20,000 million cubic meters of water will flood Bangkok. Imagine, what it would be like.

�

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

71

“According to the map, there is one area where a Monkey Cheek could be developed.

There is a large natural pond. The pond is really big as seen in its name, Nong Yai. However it is not big enough because it has been invaded and has become shallow.

Importantly, the canal nearby is blocked as over one kilometer of the canal has not been dredged.

This obstructs the water that is supposed to be drained into the sea and prevented from turning around and flooding the city.

�

4 December 1997 Dusidalai Hall

72

“W

hen the storm “Linda” hit, there was heavy rain in Chumphon up to Phetchaburi Province and floods occurred.

However, the water was drained out of Nong Yai into a constructed canal and finally released to the sea. Therefore Nong Yai could receive additional water and drain it into the sea. Nong Yai worked as Monkey Cheeks. At the end, Chumphon city and the nearby rural areas were free from flood inspite of the heavy storm.

”

4 December 1997 Dusidalai Hall

73

“The ways to prevent floods and droughts. If there is a drought, water must be retained for future use. On the other hand, if there is a lot of water, it must be drained out. That cannot be done here because there is no way out.

The way out is closed to keep out seawater.

At the same time, flooding of freshwater of up to one meter high cannot also be drained out. Therefore we have to let the water out by making a channel on the road or dam or dike to prevent seawater from coming in.

This irrigation principle concerns irrigation at Phet Dam that receives water from Phet River. The water is lifted up.

The irrigation principle is to lift the water in order to push water into the waterway.

Water can be used for rice fields and plants that need it. This is the normal situation.

The canal has a dike for lifting and pushing water into the cultivation area.

However right now there is a lot of water.

The canal must be used for draining purposes. There is no drainage system in Phetchaburi Province, it only has an irrigation waterway. You may not understand the difference between a waterway and a drainage canal. Waterway is used for conveying water to places that need water.

Drainage canal means draining undesired water out of areas that do not want it.

�

4 December 2003 Dusidalai Hall

74

“W

henever there is flood anywhere, the flooding situation should be studied clearly and thoroughly, starting from what makes it happen, what is the topography of the area, how many time has it been flooded, its frequency, how damage has been caused, what is the situation at present and how different is it. When the previous and existing situations are clearly known, the future can be predicted - what and when it could happen.

Prevention can be designed using the right method for specific situations and specific areas.

The proper schedule can be planned, what to do first and what to do next, and what is urgent and needs to be done in time to prevent future damage. Assessment of the situation is very important to the work required. The more you assess it right, the more the work is complete and useful.

�

29 July 2004

75

“The construction of a reservoir in the valley, at the point of origin of a river and a waterway or water channel, for preventing flood will mitigate the turbulence of water currents in the rainy season.

It also retains water such that it gradually seeps into the soil, increasing the water table at both the highland and the plains. Since keeping the head of the stream is extremely important, it is necessary that government agencies and people who earn their living in the project area should cooperate in planting trees, firewood, and bamboo to hold the soil and maintain soil moisture. Planted trees should be diverse so the people can use them as firewood or wood for construction without destroying the forest, which is the origin of the river.

At the same time, the people can harvest fruits for home consumption and for selling.

Cultivation should be avoided along the waterways or plains where water cannot flow out easily.

By constructing a small pond or a small dike for culturing fishes, the land will be useful and not wasted as barren land.

21 May 1977 Royal-initiated Project on Nong Plub Sub-district Land Development, Prachuap Khirikhan Province

76

�

“It is about time to rapidly construct a small reservoir to separate streams into various sectors. This will prevent the turbulence of forest flood in the rainy season and will retain water such that it seeps into the groundwater stream, from high to low elevation. This is also a benefit as the water table in the lowland rises.

Sisals should be frequently planted on both sides of waterways. The root of the sisal will bring water to the surface soil to support the growth of other plants around it. It is also good for the sisal itself to have adequate water for budding, which can be reproduced instead of waiting for eight years for its flowers.

�

10 June 1977 Self-sufficient Community, Prachuap Khirikhan Province

77

“A

survey should be carried out to locate the most suitable area for dam construction, taking into account cultivable areas that will be flooded. Responsible authorities should jointly consider ways to minimize the impact on the people. A project to allot land for inhabitants living in the area of the reservoir has already been designed by the government.

�

14 May 1977 Huai Ban Pum Storage Dam Project, Sakon Nakhon Province

78

“L

and downstream of the dam, where there are cultivated areas with a complete irrigation system, should be allotted for people living in the reservoir’s potential site.

In order to save on investment costs and ensure water delivery to a wider area, water should be channeled through various natural creeks and canals. Small dikes will then be built at intervals along waterways to distribute water to cultivated areas along both sides of the waterways.

”

20 May 1977 Royal-initiated Project on Ban Dong Noi Storage Dam, Sakon Nakhon Province

79

“First, a dam to store water is constructed.

Water is then pumped from the reservoir to natural creeks where small dikes are built to distribute water to agricultural lands along both sides of the banks.

Some water will seep into the soil to increase humidity in the ground. In this case, a costly water delivery system using irrigation canals and pipes is not necessary.

�

12 November 1977 Huai Chan Huai Kaeng Storage Dam Project, Kalasin Province

80

“C

reeks and streams that are suitable for dike construction will be explored to reduce water turbulence in the rainy season and to induce water seepage into the soil, from the highland to the plains, to increase groundwater table and the soil’s moisture content.

”

26 April 1978 Pranburi District, Prachuap Khirikhan Province

81

“Officials from the Royal Irrigation Department, Cooperative Promotion Department and the Committee of Hubkrapong Agricultural Cooperatives Co.,Ltd. should survey the water along the channels before constructing small dams across creeks, in order to retain water and allow it to slowly seep into the soil, thus elevating the groundwater table.

�

27 May 1978 Hubkrapong Reservoir, Phetchaburi Province

82

“Construction of small dams across creeks and streams to retain water that will slowly seep into soil will increase the groundwater table and will prevent flooding, as well as provide water sources for agriculture and domestic use.�

29 May 1978 Ban Doi Kun Huai, Phetchaburi Province

83

“Rivers and creeks along the mountain ridge in Suan Puang District should be further explored to develop small dikes and reservoirs for the retention of water that would slowly seep into the soil in order to increase the groundwater table and provide the people with additional water sources for agriculture and domestic use.

�

23 May 1978 Suan Puang District, Ratchaburi Province

84

“The first matter that requires attention in implementing any project is appropriate land development for the benefit of project workers and local people in the area.

The construction of dikes to store and divert water needed for cultivation requires extensive exploration to locate water sources in the mountains, including small water channels and seepage sources.

�

15 February 1979 Royal Project on Headwater Development, Unit 14, Pang Hin Fon, Chiang Mai Province

85

“I

rrigation pipes from headwater to cultivated fields should be constructed using the most economical and widely available materials. Bamboo poles are used for delivering water along flat land, while alternating bamboo poles and sturdy pipes are used in areas with steep slopes.

It is good that water storage ponds have been dug so that water could be delivered extensively from individual storage ponds to agricultural fields. To try out this method, learn from villages where it has been used. This will set an example if the results come out well.

�

4 February 1976 Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province

86

“A reservoir that has been constructed to receive only rainwater might not be adequately support dry season cultivation due to the small water volume and the high permeability and evaporation rates. Water sources inside and outside the project area should be explored. To slowly increase water volume, the water channel, however small, can be blocked. A channel where there is no water current but is nevertheless moist could be drilled for groundwater. In order to spread moisture, it is covered with fast-growing vegetation that has short trunks and abundant leaves. All these have to be done in consultation with forestry officials. By-products from the dike include natural fertilizer deposits on the dike’s crest that can be used in cultivating the field.

Another method to explore water sources is by drilling for groundwater, as people living in the area used to do. The most important factor is cooperation between officials from all sectors and the local people and exchange of ideas in order to maximize the benefits for all parties.

�

4 March 1976 Sankampaeng Cooperative Village Project, Chiang Mai Province

87

“The Huai Mae Lan Reservoir Construction Project should be established to provide water for land cultivation in the villages of On Tai and Chachang Sub-districts and neighboring areas, which have often faced shortage of water for paddy fields especially during periods of no rain, while also experiencing low productivity per rai.

Such a project will promote crop rotation, including tobacco and legumes.

The Huai Mae Lan Reservoir should be fully utilized for fisheries by culturing freshwater species and establishing fisheries group to systematically administer fishery activities, including market preparation.

Moreover, a survey to locate a potential site for the construction of a small reservoir should be done upstream of Huai Mae Lan Reservoir, to support reforestation in head watershed areas and restore abundance and increase moisture in the forest.

In addition, fast-growing seedling stations should be established to encourage the people to plant outside the cultivated area and to increase awareness of the need to conserve nature and the environment.

�

16 February 1987 Sankampaeng District, Chiang Mai Province

88

“In order to maintain water sources and supply water into the project’s irrigation system, the Royal Forest Department, in cooperation with the Royal Irrigation Department, would have to survey water sources and reforestation inside and outside the project area. Reforestation should begin with planting to cover the headwater area, while small dams are built across water channels to create sub-reservoirs.

The sub-reservoirs will maintain moisture in the forest area. This is a mutually supportive way to retain moisture between the sub-reservoirs and the forest because the forest cover will reduce the evaporation rate of the reservoirs.

”

16 February 1977 Sankampaeng District, Chiang Mai Province

89

“Water channels located in the mountain range should be explored to construct small and low-cost irrigation, in order to extensively supply water to project’s experimental field as well as to cultivated fields in adjacent areas.

If the dam’s construction site is suitable for hydropower production, the project should be developed to provide electricity for the project and neighboring villages.

”

14 February 1978 Royal Project on Headwater Development, Unit 1, Huai Tung Jor

90

“A

s this watershed area has large volumes of water, agriculture, as a major food source, should be promoted for people living in the area downstream.

This is because water flowing in the wet season would bring with it natural fertilizers trapped downstream in the cultivated area. Fertilizer deposits will provide the soil with sufficient nutrients for rice cultivation. For the upstream area, the cultivated crops are garlic, legumes and other appropriate crops. Furthermore, dikes should be built to develop reservoirs for irrigation. Surveillance measures should also be taken to monitor the cutting and destruction of the forest along the mountain slope because runoff could erode and destroy topsoil.

�

26 January 1977 Royal Hilltribe Development Station, Ban Pa Nok Kok, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province

91

“I

t is very fortunate that this village has plenty of water for cultivation and domestic consumption, as well as land for human settlements. As a result, agricultural productivity will certainly increase, which means better standard of living.

However, technical advice from officials, both from the agricultural and military sectors, should be taken seriously. Moreover, people should learn to use land and water economically and systematically. The Village Committee is in charge of informing the villagers and discussing with them to make them clearly understand.

�

27 November 1980 Ban Kok Tae, Sakon Nakhon Province

92

“When the province has already used up the budget for the reservoir construction project, planning for the allotment of land for people living in the site of the irrigation should be done, thus allowing land utilization in a way that makes the investment worthwhile. However, this would again need cooperation between forestry and agriculture officials to consider the appropriateness of the work. Besides, provincial officials should inform the people and discuss with them to make them understand the objectives of the reservoir project and that they have to depend mainly on the rain for their seasonal crops. However, in periods of no rain, the project will deliver water to save the crops from destruction.

If in a particular year, there is no shortage of water during the cropping season, water will be stored to irrigate cash crops as well as the second or third paddy cultivation in the cropping season.

�

10 November 1980 Huai Suan Pan Reservoir Project, Na Nai Sub-district, Panna Nikhom District, Sakon Nakhon Province

93

“W

hen it comes to usage, you must know how to use water.

Piping is a good idea. For example, in Israel, where water is piped for agriculture, they have to come up with measures on how to use water to the maximum advantage and to prevent any potential loss.

In our system, water is pumped from the canal into the pipe for delivery to individual members, with the rule that each member will have limited cultivation using pumped water. It must be taught that water has a monetary price and extravagant usage will be a big waste.

�

25 May 1980

94

“Areas in Chian Yai, Hua Sai, and Pak Phanang serve as rice granary and water basket and provide Thailand with enormous harvests.

If the Pak Phanang Project is implemented, which should be fairly fast, it will solve the shortage of freshwater for agriculture in the Cha Oud River Basin and also store water for use in the dry season. As well, there would be plenty of brackish water for tiger prawn culture.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

95

“A survey should be done well to locate a water delivery line from the dike.

This means that water channeled from the dike and retained in a storage pond should be further delivered to the mountain ridge, this being a convenient means to facilitate water distribution along sloping areas in a cultivated field. The area could be transformed into a terraced field for the cultivation of various types of cash crops and vegetables.

In addition, water can be delivered to the village.

�

18 January 1981 Mae Poon Luang Royal Project, Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai Province

96

“S

torage ponds should be located at appropriate intervals along the drainage line to reduce the water current. This not only prevents erosion but also allows water in the storage pond to seep through the surrounding areas, thus building up moisture in cultivated plots. Planting of a substitute forest park should also be immediately done in that particular area.

�

27 June 1983 Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Center

97

“E

xploration to set up the project and locate sites for construction of Huai Yang and Huai Poo Duang reservoirs should be done. These reservoirs should be located in the highlands and should have a sufficient storage capacity to supply water to approximately 5,000 rais of cultivable fields for the people in Ban Kok Poo and Ban Yang Loan. In addition, ways to divert water from Huai Oun, which is a large basin, should be considered to supplement both reservoirs, expanding to about 5,000 rais of irrigated areas in Ban Kam and adjacent villages in Tambon Na Mong, Kud Bak District in Sakon Nakhon Province. These areas have been suffering from inadequate water supply for cultivating rice and field crops, especially for rice paddies that are now dried up. Besides, there are no other water sources in the area that can be used for irrigation. Furthermore, the existing delivery system should be improved to increase its efficiency, together with the addition of lines to delivery canals to expand water distribution throughout the area. These types of projects will set an example for agricultural practices whereby the people’s livelihood will make them self-sufficient. These will help provide future security.

”

18 November 1985 Kok Poo Sub-district, Sakon Nakhon Province

98

“A survey should be run to set up a small scale water resource development project along the entire stretch of the upper Nan River, including its tributaries in the areas of Tung Chang District, Chiang Klang District, Pau District and Bo Kluea Sub-district, Nan Province, in order to provide year-long water supply, including water for domestic use.

Moreover, water should be allocated to areas with inadequate water supply in Pa Sang and Mae Ta Districts in Lamphun Province through the development of the Mae Kanad and Mae Kum canals, and so on. As for drought areas in Muang Phayao District and their vicinity, the construction of reservoirs of various sizes, as appropriate, should be considered to provide water for irrigation and domestic use.

�

19 February 1989

99

“On the left and right sides of the Mae Rim Reservoir Project are two more locations suitable for the construction of small reservoirs to be used to store rather large amounts of surplus water from the Mae Rim reservoir. The stored water will expand the water distribution area to cultivated fields in neighboring villages. Furthermore, ways should be considered to conserve the forest in head watershed areas, prevent destruction and maintain moisture in the area.

�

14 March 1989 Mae Rim Reservoir, Mae Tang District

100

“W

ater supply for the village should be developed using a filtering system that would give the people access to tap water for domestic use all year round.

�

26 November 1992

101

“The Nam Pai weir should be constructed across Pai River to store water at its highest level. A hydropower pump installed downstream of the weir can efficiently pump water up to storage ponds at the top of the mountain in recreational parks. Once the water supply system in a recreational park is fully installed, it can be put into maximum use in conjunction with latest developments in reforestation and various relevant activities, including planting.

As for the area on the right bank of Pai River, which is the site for the Ta Pong Daeng Development Center, water can be pumped into storage ponds in the highlands to reforest areas north of the center’s reservoir. As the water current on Pai River is strong, small turbines for hydropower can be installed to produce electricity almost all year round. This project should be considered so that the electricity produced can be used for pumping water to various areas.

�

20 March 1992 Royal-initiated Pai River Basin Development Project Center

102

“I

went to visit the site for a project in the northern part of Sankampaeng where the local people requested for the construction of a reservoir. The site is Huai Lan.(1) The engineer said it could be done. The collaborating government agencies, namely the Royal Irrigation Department and the Office of Rural Development, visited the site, probably on 20 February or 27 February.(2) They started working on 1 March. The local people who lived there had already received returns for their work. The economy began to thrive within 3 days. These developments had a direct impact on the local people. The results were immediate. Construction was completed within 7 to 8 months and the reservoir could thus retain water. I went to observe it the following year. The local people had cultivated rice as they had water in the village and there was no need to walk 3 kilometers to draw water from other water sources. Within a year, the people had benefited from the cessation of droughts at the site. This means that the work was not slow. It was successfully carried out and the results were immediate.

�

4 December 1993

(1)

The Huai Lan Project in Sankampaeng is aimed at the development of watershed areas that experience droughts and are located outside primary irrigation project areas. The goal is to provide examples of particular types of watershed development for different areas. This type of watershed development is based on a complete watershed development approach, which consists of reservoirs to support agriculture, domestic use and waterworks, and smaller reservoirs to directly support and expedite forest restoration.

(2)

On 16 February 1987

103

“A

t the Mae Klang Waterfall, there was a man beside the waterfall. He made an electric generator by using water from the waterfall to produce electricity and wired the electric power supply so it could be used.

There was no need to pay for electric power. I was impressed that the Thai people have innovative ideas, a good initiative. So later I went on to invent things that could benefit the people.

�

October 2001 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

104

“Natural marshes should be improved by excavating them so they can be properly connected with one another and thus retain more water. This will help to mitigate flood problems and will also enable their use as water sources in the dry season by people living in nearby areas.

�

18 November 1992 Sakon Nakhon Irrigation Project

105

“Natural marshes should be dredged together with the construction of a water-regulating structure to retain more water, in order to partially relieve flood problems and also to enable the use of marshes as water sources to support more agricultural areas during the dry season.

�

23 November 1992 Pon Na Kaew Sub-district, Sakon Nakhon Province

106

“Natural water sources, such as a number of creeks in the Huai Ton Reservoir Project areas, should be developed as small-scale reservoirs or dikes, as appropriate, for the purpose of supplying water for agriculture, thus helping to make the people more self-sufficient. The Department of Land Development and the Department of Agriculture Extension will help in all aspects of work involving different soil and plant varieties. This way the people will not encroach into the mountain or destroy the forest by slash and burn farming. As a result, forest areas in rather excellent condition, although found only in small areas, will be conserved and sustained. Moreover, unnecessary conflicts between government agencies and the people will be prevented. In developing these areas, the Royal Forest Department should consider consolidating the land as a forest village, which means that members of the community would have to join forces to cultivate the land, plant the forest, and carry out forest surveillance. Forestry officials will maintain the forest by locating sites to construct dikes at the headwater area along water channels, in order to store water to expedite planting activities in the forest and to build up moisture gradually and restore the forest to its natural condition. Local officials from several government agencies, such as the Royal Irrigation Department, Royal Forest Department, Department of Land Development and Department of Agriculture Extension, should cooperate to improve the people’s quality of life, by conducting unofficial consultations with each other when problems arise. Such cooperation will also create friendships. In cases where a local development project already approved by the government needs to be urgently implemented. The private sector, such as the Chaipattana Foundation, could be approached to provide advance investment for the project, with reimbursements to be paid from the government’s budget. Therefore, rural development work will smoothly achieve its goal through this mutual assistance.

”

1 December 1992 Si Chiang Mai District, Nong Khai Province

107

108

“An example is the construction of reservoir in a forest area to which an opposing group does not agree, disregarding the benefits that would accrue from the project. Although the project might cause some potential damage to the area, there could be greater damage if the project is not carried out. An example is seen in Nakhon Nayok Province, where over 100,000 rai of land has been rendered useless due to soil acidity, a problem that could not now be resolved easily. Applying lime to the soil is a temporary and very costly solution.

A permanent solution means that the land can be cultivated continuously all year round, making sure that the soil does not become dry. This then raises the problem of inadequate water supply.

But to provide adequate water means having to encroach into reserved forests in national parks.

However, national parks have been damaged because of the drought problem in Nakhon Nayok.

The people’s poverty in Nakhon Nayok brings about the need to do something similar to fraudulence in the forest.

But if a person’s standard of living improves, the people will understand. They are not merciless; nobody wants to be merciless. If the project is carried out in Nakhon Nayok, approximately 200,000 rai of land, will provide all year round benefit, with tremendous amounts of money gained from income taxes.

This was considered in the context of an economic theory to earn taxes from people who are eligible to pay taxes.

The taxes would be used to develop more forests, to plant trees, to culture suitable plant varieties and to build wild animal habitats, as well as to support the maintenance on national parks. Currently, national parks still employ a fairly good number of officials, while reserved forests, such as in Samoeng District in Chiang Mai Province, have fewer than 40 policemen. They cannot look after this vast area that covers several hundred square kilometers.

When they are not able to watch over the area, there will be trespassers. If there is some money from taxes paid by the people who have a better standard of living, capable officials, either policemen or forestry officials, can be employed to take better care of forest reserves. This will make carbon dioxide eradication more environmentally efficient.

”

26 July 1989

109

“In fact, issues concerning Nakhon Nayok River or Pasak River have been studied for several years, but not in practical terms due to the fear of being attacked by the people. So for now, I express my regret; I regret not doing it until the problem of drought came about. If I had not been afraid and had dared to address the problem 6 years ago, construction could now have advanced to a considerable stage. In fact, this project had already been set up for over 10 years. But I said 6 years because tomorrow I will be 66. Six years ago, the day after the day I am talking about is the day I reached 60 years of age. There are a lot of celebrations on reaching age 60, because it is considered that age 60 is an important occasion and must be celebrated. This year I will be 66, so it should be celebrated as well since in 6 more years, I will be 72. This year is half way from 60 to 72. When I was 60, I told friends that at 72 years of age, I would complete the construction of Pasak Dam and the other dams, so at 72, it would be joyful to open or visit those projects. I would then view this achievement with pleasure and pride, proud of the projects that have been built based on my idea. But when I reach 66, I must expedite their implementation. Speaking plainly, I can say that at 60 years of age (Saer-Yid), I have implemented these and other projects, then I will be able to celebrate and will be pleased with the projects that have been constructed to celebrate my sixtieth year of age. At present, I think that while there are projects to celebrate my sixtieth year of age, there should be others to celebrate the seventy-second year of my age as well.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

110

“This project plans to construct two reservoirs, one at Pasak River and another at Nakhon Nayok River. Together the two reservoirs will store sufficient amounts of water for domestic consumption in Bangkok and adjacent areas in the flood plains of Thailand. As for water utilization, it is recognized that this is fairly reasonable in terms of the people’s needs. Each person uses an average of 200 liters a day.

This means that 5 persons use 1,000 liters or 1 cubic meter of water a day. To calculate for 1 year, 1 cubic meter multiplied by 365, which means that 5 persons use 365 cubic meters of water in a year. In Bangkok and the adjacent areas, the population is roughly estimated at 10 million. The number 365 is thus multiplied by 10 million, resulting in 730 million.

Therefore, if we store 730 million cubic meters of water in the dams, we will be able to serve the people in the central plains close to Bangkok. There will be no shortage of water all year round.

”

4 December 1993

111

“As for such projects as the Pak Phanang Project, Nakhon Nayok Project, and Pasak Project, the benefit will go to the people. The people will have a good life and will be able to pay taxes to the government. The government will receive tax money. People who are satisfied with their standard of living will not avoid paying taxes from their earnings. The majority of the people will not steal. Most of those who steal do so because of their poverty.

�

4 December 1993

112

“Had we kept postponing the project and not done it, we would certainly have a thirst for water. The area would become a desert and we cannot migrate elsewhere. This project plans to construct two reservoirs, one at Pasak River and another at Nakhon Nayok River. Both reservoirs will store sufficient amounts of water for domestic consumption in Bangkok and adjacent areas in the flood plains of Thailand.

�

113

“The Klong Ta Dan Storage Dam Project in Nakhon Nayok Province, which was constructed downstream of Haew Narok waterfall, is very important. The project is not only aimed at supplying water to hundreds of thousands rai of land during dry season cultivation but is also capable of storing floodwaters, thus perpetually protecting agricultural areas in Nakhon Nayok from floods. During the dry season, water would be drained from the dams to wash acidic soil in several districts in Nakhon Nayok Province.

�

114

115

116

“The first main objective of the project is to store water for continuous delivery to cultivated areas all year round, allowing cultivation two to three times a year. Furthermore, water can be used to generate electricity for urban areas and to provide irrigation in the plains and to pump water to cultivated areas upland. The project could be effectively used for flood control as well. In the survey, roads to connect existing transportation routes with the project’s initial site should be considered to improve transportation, facilitate surveillance and prevent encroachment into the headwater area, taking into account natural conservation. The dam should be urgently constructed. Ways to divert water flowing through the existing waterway should be explored during the construction phase, when temporary closure for the dam is built across to block the waterway. Being water users, the people should not be placed in trouble during the construction. Direction for digging irrigation canals with reservoirs at intervals should be surveyed so that water will be supplied extensively all over the area when the project is completed.

”

26 December 1976 Klong Ta Dan Storage Dam Project, Nakhon Nayok Province

117

118

“I am glad that this year the projects at Pasak River, Nakhon Nayok River and Pak Phanang have commenced. However, there will be a lot of obstacles to go through for the project at Pasak River. I hope that the obstacles will not be severe and that within 5 years problems related to drought, water shortage and floods would be significantly mitigated.

They will be 80 percent mitigated, according to my understanding.

This would make a hundred thousand people happier. A lot depends on the Pasak and Nakhon Nayok Projects.

�

4 December 1994

119

“T

he main problem in the Nakhon Nayok River Basin is the shortage of water for irrigation in the 500,000-rai Nakhon Nayok Project area, especially during the dry season.

Although the government has been implementing some projects to improve the situation, such as constructing the Klong Dan irrigation ditch, the problem persists with increasing intensity.

Specifically, there is shortage of water for cultivation once every two to three years in the dry season, destroying the people’s crops and livestock, as well as their property, and driving many of them to look for work in Bangkok. Thus, there is a need to expedite water source development in that particular area to support all types of agriculture, including cultivation and fisheries. If successful, the people would return to their communities, where they can be self-sufficient by growing rice for their consumption and selling their agricultural produce, and thus live happily.

”

23 February 1994 Pakpree District, Nakhon Nayok Province

120

“When measuring the water level, it was found that the level of water flowing from Pasak River on the east was 20 centimeters higher than the level of water flowing from Chao Phraya River on the other side. Information that the water level in the field on the Pasak side was higher than the level on the Chao Phraya side was not widely known. With this information, officials, including those from the Royal Irrigation Department, learned where Bangkok’s flooding came from and to where it is heading.

”

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

121

“Queen Suriyothai’s monument in Ayutthaya will be constructed over a four-year period. The plan includes the construction of a monument, platform and an elephant that Queen Suriyothai would ride on. In addition, there will be a garden where trees will be planted, a location for the SUPPORT Foundation’s Exhibition Building, and a viewpoint area for tourists and a pond. The area planner said that the presence of a pond would make the place beautiful. I was duly informed about this and I looked at the plan, noting that in the 250-rai area, approximately 50 rai would be used for a large pond and 200 rai of would be set aside for the monument and gardens. When I realized this, I was not pleased but I had no words to express this. Finally, I dared to speak out and said that the monument was not what it was meant to be. This was not the plan that I wanted. I wanted this area to be a water area and the pond should cover more than half of the area. The planner finally accepted it.

One reason why it had to be done this way was because of future flooding. In fact there has been flooding every year, and when there is flooding, urban and residential areas, especially from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya down to Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok and down to Samut Prakan, would be flooded. If we make a large enough storage pond, this can also be called a reservoir, we will be able to store water to mitigate problems caused by the flooding crisis. When water dries up, water stored in the pond will benefit the people in adjacent areas. So that is the way it will work. The planner then built a larger pond, covering an area of 157 rai. This is even better than my original idea, in which I proposed at least half (125 rai).

”

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

122

“It was reported that flooding in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province was heavy such that the ground and roads could not be seen. But a few days ago, a man went there and said that surprisingly the water had dried up.

I do not know whether I should be glad over the news or not. If news about the flood is bad, then news about water drying up should be good. However, the man who went there said it was scary as the soil was dried out and parched.

It was as if the water had never been there. It looked like arid land, a desert.

�

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

123

“In fact I went to Kuiburi area to expand the dam in Kuiburi at Yang Chum. It is fortunate that I went there to have it done. This Royal-initiated Project, if it had been done in the way that the Royal Irrigation Department did, it would not have been finished. Had it not been finished, there would have been flooding. This year, there was no flood in Kuiburi although there was some flooding in Prachuap Khirikhan Province but not in Hua Hin, because of Kuiburi Dam. Why should Kuiburi Dam be expanded? The expanded dam can store up to nine million cubic meters of water.

�

4 December 2005 Dusidalai Hall

124

“I visited, saw and understood that water was flowing out of the dam. This was not a lie. Real water was flowing down to fill up the dam, with more than 40 million cubic meters of water instead of 38 flowing down to be stored and to overflow. The water was used for paddy, as seen when driving through the area. Paddy produces rice and rice is usable. If rice is exported, we will earn money in return. Therefore, this hundred million Baht project should be done well. Foreign engineers are not necessary since Thai irrigation engineers have sufficient expertise. Also, the equipment used is available in Thailand. This year I am glad and satisfied with the productive outcomes from the expansion of the Kuiburi Project. I am now waiting to visit irrigation projects in Kuiburi at Ban Yang Chum.

This is a workable project not only in Ban Yang Chum, but also in nearby areas. The construction of storage dam is producing good results as well.

�

4 December 2005 Dusidalai Hall

125

“A storage dam construction project should be set up downstream of the basin, such as the Ta Pee and Pak Phanang basins. These basins have faced severe flood problems that could be repeated in the future. There is a need to identify a suitable site for constructing large-scale reservoirs.

The storage capacity of the dam just constructed should be ample and should have the capacity to store a massive volume of water, in order to remain useful in case of continuous heavy rainfall for several days.

This might occur due to an existing low pressure front across some parts of the southern region.

Water would be stored for use in dry season agriculture. As for flood-prone residential and cultivable land, where the land is flat and is inadequate for a large-scale reservoir project, ways should be considered to mitigate flooding problems. One solution is by digging a drainage canal directly connected to the sea to divert large volumes of water to the sea in a timely manner. A regulator would be built at the end of the canal to prevent the reverse flow of seawater and to retain freshwater during the dry season.

Existing natural canals should be dredged immediately to increase drainage efficiency to its highest.

The Bah Jor Peat Swamp Drainage Project in Narathiwat Province could be a prototype for this operation.

Drainage canals that have been dug, together with dredged natural canals, would also be used to irrigate cultivated areas during periods of water shortage.

�

21 December 1988

126

“In the southern region at present there is no drought but there is flood. Flood causes considerable problems although these may be less severe than in previous times. The problem is that when it rains, it floods. Water should have been drained rapidly. Later when water has been drained, there is not enough water left, and much less in the southern part. Therefore storing water is important.

Think about where to store water. All of you should think where is it best to store water because anywhere we plan to do so, there will always be protests. We do not want to face protests as these are tiring and are not of any benefit. The fact is, if water has been retained, there would be fewer floods.

During the drought season when there is less rainfall, in the next 2 to 3 months, we can release the stored water for agricultural use, including rice fields. Therefore, if water resource needs to be managed at the end of year, we have to think carefully. Otherwise, if we think only in the short term, we will have to face floods and droughts like we are facing them right now. So you have to think carefully.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

127

“The project on the preparation and construction of a dam at Pak Phanang River should be considered to prevent saltwater intrusion and to store freshwater for domestic use and agriculture, including providing a raw water source for the production of tap water in Pak Phanang District.

A water drainage system should also be constructed in parallel to drain water out of flooded area rapidly into the sea.

�

11 October 1992 Bangnara River Basin Development Project

128

“I would like the Pak Phanang Project to be completed for the 50th anniversary of the present reign. It has a good purpose and it brings life and happiness throughout the country.

That project will prevent saltwater from entering the Cha-oad Canal so that rice can be planted well in Chian Yai District. Although there is flooding, water will be stored for rice cultivation later.

If the project is done well, there will only be a small flood in spite of the heavy rain.

Rice cultivation in Chian Yai District will be successful. At present, Chian Yai, which is a big district, together with Hua Sai and Pak Phanang Districts, cover some 100,000 rai of rice fields.

Right now its rice production is reduced and the rice plant is damaged because of too much or too little water. If we invest around a billion Baht, the investment would be worth it.

We will have freshwater to use.

Someone may ask about prawn farming. Prawn farms can be set up at Hua Sai District because it is close to the sea and it has the Pak Phanang Canal that runs parallel with the coastline.

Of course the canal has brackish water and it supplies many prawn farms.

Thailand can export more prawns than any other country in the world. We export to Japan and U.S.A. In addition to prawns, fishes can be raised in prawn ponds, thus bringing in much income to Thailand.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

129

“T

he Pak Phanang floodgate should be constructed urgently. It can be considered as a starting point for solving the problem of freshwater shortage in the dry season. There are problems of saltwater intrusion in the drought season and floods that cause damage in the rainy season. In order to solve flood problems effectively, emergency water drainage canals should be dug in the Pak Phanang River, in the area situated in the soil dam that obstructs the original stream. A floodgate should also be constructed to drain the water faster from the project area into the sea. Moreover, the Tha Phaya Canal should be excavated and expanded and the floodgate should be constructed at the same time to release water from the land faster. A temporary research center should also be established at the floodgate in the area owned by the Department of Fisheries to conduct research and studies concerning fisheries.

�

2 October 1993 Thaksin Palace

130

“The Pak Phanang Project could be done fast. When completed, it will solve the problem of freshwater shortage for agriculture in the Cha-oud River Basin and there will be water for use in the dry season, as well as brackish water for the mass culture of black tiger prawn.

Chian Yai, Hua Sai and Pak Phanang will be the food and water basket in addition to generating a tremendous income for Thailand.

�

4 December 1994

131

“The project in the southern part at Pak Phanang needs to be understood. More civilian and military personnel are providing full support to the Pak Phanang Project, although more explanations have to be made. Some claim that if the Pak Phanang Project is implemented, the environment will be degraded. They say that the water in Cha-oad Canal is brackish and they believe it is useful to the environment. I would like to clarify that this is not true. In the past, water in the Cha-oad Canal was freshwater, but it turned brackish because it became shallow and because of certain changes in the environment. A large number of people from Chian Yai District then migrated to Phattalung, Tungsong District, and Tungyai.

This migration caused a great deal of trouble since it appeared that the Chian Yai people invaded other people’s land.

Arguments arose without any resolution. Those who remained in Chian Yai grow vegetables in the dry season but are not successful since the water is salty or brackish.

Only those people who were in the area would understand. Those who have never been there would not understand.

Pagpanang is short of water. Water is delivered by truck, which costs a hundred million Baht. It is not true that brackish water in Cha-oud River is good. It is not. If the project is implemented, water in Cha-oud Canal will, of course, be freshwater. This problem needs to be resolved.

”

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

132

“After the construction of the Pak Phanang floodgate in the Pak Phanang River Basin Development Project, under His Majesty’s Initiative in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, the water level is high during high tide and also when it rains, and there is surplus water from the upper part. Water management is a must to solve the problem.

Firstly, during high tide, water should be diverted to the Pak Phanang Canal. Secondly, water is released from the upper part of Cha-oad Canal through Kuankreng Swamp and onto natural canals that discharge into the sea directly.

Thirdly, during high tide small amounts of water are released gradually. During low tide, a large amount of water is emptied into the sea immediately, taking into consideration the hydrography data. In the case of the Bangpakong floodgate in Chachoengsao Province, saltwater intrusion into the Bangpakong River allows many people to engage in prawn farming. This is why there is an experiment to raise prawns and Tabtim fish, together with rice planting, at His Majesty’s Development Area Project at Ban Bangtan Village, Bansang District in Prachin Buri Province. The project administers water relocation until it is possible to raise prawns and raise Tabtim fish and plant rice systematically.

”

27 October 2000 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

133

“If the landowner would allow it, survey the land and consider the construction of a reservoir in the area of the old breed para rubber orchard. This will benefit the public directly. Rice and crops can be grown in a 2,000-rai area with a complete irrigation system. In the meantime, the new breed para rubber can be developed.

17 September 1985 Narathiwat Province

134

�

“T

he principle behind flood prevention needs to be shared widely.

This is a suggestion to people who live in upstream areas, either in Chumphon or Prachuap Khirikhan Provinces.

They include government officials, administrators, security personnel such as members of the border petrol police, and members of the local community. They are encouraged to provide information periodically to operation centers in the concerned provinces. The information refers to the volume of rainfall in their hometowns or areas of responsibility and its period of duration.

The operation centers will be able to calculate the amount of water that will flow in advance and will then make sufficient preparations. If both provinces could provide concerned officials with a simple device to measure the volume of rain, they would be able to collect data and thus forecasts can be made with more precision.

�

20 June 1998 Nong Yai Royal-initiated Development Project, Chumphon Province

135

“Once the floodgate has been installed to control water, water can be released to the sea as fast as possible during the high flow period. This will give the canal, which is a route for the water, the capacity to receive large amounts of water. When the Ta Sae Reservoir Project and the Rub Ror Reservoir Project are completed, they will serve as water storage in the rainy season.

Thus, water from the Ta Sae and Rub Ror River Basins upstream of the reservoir will not flow to the lower region and cause flooding in Mueang Chumphon District. In addition during the dry season, water can be released from both reservoirs, providing water for agriculture and domestic consumption.

The government should invest in the construction of these reservoirs for the direct benefit of the people, including flood prevention and promotion of agriculture. Community leaders, including the head of the sub-district and the village head, should clearly explain this project to the people.

”

20 June 1998 Nong Yai Development Project under His Majesty’s Initiative, Chumphon Province

136

“There should be cooperation in surveying water sources in the mountain range located along the border between Ruesor District and Bah Jor District. A suitable location for establishing a few small dikes to store water to support rice fields in Samakkee Sub-district should be considered. This reservoir will make rice cultivation twice yearly possible, thus providing enough rice for local consumption.

�

24 September 1979 Ruesor District, Narathiwat Province

137

“Due consideration should be given to dredging the shallow water channel and improving the water distribution canal, in addition to constructing a water-regulating structure, at the Maruebo Canal. This will control the amount of water released into agricultural fields, enabling the people to utilize these areas as effectively as possible.

�

16 September 1980 Ra-Ngae District, Narathiwat Province

138

“Survey water sources in the ravines in order to allocate water for the agriculture.�

3 October 1980 Ruesor District, Narathiwat Province

139

140

“A water system should be considered for the local people so that they will be able to make a living all year round. While the local people cannot plant rice seedlings in the fields, crop planting should be promoted. This can earn them more money.

�

10 October 1980 Narathiwat Province

141

“The construction of a dike or dam upstream of Todaeng Canal and the provision a water distribution canal from the dike or dam, along the border of the Todaeng Peat Swamp, should be considered. The goal is to deliver water to around 3,000 rai of agricultural land in Puyo Sub-district along the entire right bank of the canal. As for the left bank, the original swamp should be maintained.

�

4 September 1981 Sungai-Kolok District, Narathiwat Province

142

“Diverting water from the river into the old mines possessed by the villagers should be considered. Dredging should be done followed by a survey of the site of the dike. Damages in the permanent dike should be repaired in order to provide water for agricultural areas so that rice and rotating crops can be grown all year round.

�

26 September 1983 Manangtayor Sub-district, Narathiwat Province

143

“T

he construction of the Ban Tanyong Reservoir upstream of the Ban Pongbueror dike should be considered.

It will serve as a water storage and water can be delivered and added to the dike at Ban Pongbueror, to ensure abundant irrigation water for the whole year. However, it is necessary to hold a meeting with the local people who live in the project area to make them understand the benefits of this project. The benefits will enable rice cultivation twice yearly, which they have not been able to do in the past.

Therefore, there should be some unity and sacrifice, particularly on the part of landowners of flood-prone areas within the reservoir basin. The government will allocate land in the watershed area and plant trees to compensate for those that have been destroyed. Landowners outside the reservoir basin should also be generous to people who have moved from flood-prone areas.

�

25 August 1983 Ban Pongbueror Water Basin Project, Narathiwat Province

144

“The upper part of the Todaeng Peat Swamp should be surveyed for the feasibility of including some areas of the swamp as a part of the reservoir.

The objective is to store good quality water that will be discharged into the Muno Canal, which needs a large amount of water for agriculture and for improving acidic soil in the area.

�

7 October 1988 Sungaipadee District, Narathiwat Province

145

“Improving the drainage system to drain acidic water from the agricultural area should be considered.

This is included in a work plan for effective crop planting, development of pasture for livestock and demonstration of freshwater fishery.

�

8 September 1985 Narathiwat Province

146

“The construction of a small reservoir to deliver water to support agricultural areas in nearby villages should be considered. This will enable rice farmers to produce enough rice for their consumption.

At present the rice fields are of poor quality and are lacking a complete irrigation system. Moreover, people can use the reservoir for breeding freshwater fish.

�

10 September 1985 Narathiwat Province

147

“C

oncerned government officials should survey the area together with the local people to find a suitable location to build a reservoir that would deliver water to 50,000 rai of agricultural land in Chuengkiri Sub-district, Tamayung District, Sisakorn District and Ruesor Sub-district in Ruesor District.

The government should arrange a meeting to discuss the benefits of this project, including alternating rice farming and crop cultivation for the whole year.

This will help the local people in the three sub-districts to become completely self-reliant because there will be enough rice for their consumption. As well, they will harvest crops that they can use as animal feed or sell to earn extra income, on top of their earnings from their original work of para rubber cutting.

The people can also benefit from fisheries in the reservoir. However, some will have to give up their land in the reservoir area. Those who lose their land will be fairly compensated once all parties reach an agreement on the principle of land readjustment.

�

20 September 1985 Narathiwat Province

148

“A

dike to retain water should be constructed to divert water into the area that can be developed as a terraced rice field. The people can be divided into groups who will take turns in planting rice for the whole year as there will be enough water for rice cultivation three times yearly. This area will serve as the rice basket for people in nearby villages in Lalo Sub-district. The construction of a dam within the reservoir should be considered. This will store water that flows down through rice fields along the sloped area and will also control the release of stored water to support agricultural areas in the lower part continuously through a water distribution canal.

�

3 October 1985 Ruesor District, Narathiwat Province

149

“The Bangnara Project is part of a water resource utilization project in Narathiwat Province.

Most of us know that Narathiwat is in the southern region which has a lot of rainfall.

But why is there a problem about water, that it should be well controlled. Of concern here is the Bah Jor Project that allows the people to sell their produce and earn in return.

The Bangnara Project is larger than this project. The problem is that there is a lot of water at the wrong time. This is the case most of the time. In the rainy season, there is too much rain that causes flood like this year. But when the dry season arrives, the rice fields are dry and replanting cannot be done because water is in inadequate supply or its quality is bad, that is, either salty or acidic. Thus, the Bangnara Project should be established. It will help to control water quality all year round. This is what I hope for.

�

26 July 1989

150

“Water from the Todaeng Peat Swamp will pass through various canals and will flow into the Bangnara River and Muno Canal. In the early days of the rainy and dry seasons, water from the swamp is acidic. This causes poor water quality in Muno Canal and Bangnara River.

When the control and distribution systems for acidic water, consisting of canals and a water-regulating structure, are established at Ban Plakpla to Ban Kokkuware, Kokkratom Canal, Kok-it Canal, Kokpai Canal and Lan Canal, acidic water will be prevented from entering the Puyu Canal downstream of the floodgate erected at the end of Muno Canal. The floodgate effectively prevents acidic water from flowing into Muno Canal.

The water has good quality and can be used for agriculture all year round.

This project plays an important role in conveying water to Puyu Canal.

�

9 October 1992 Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

151

“Water for agricultural use should be provided to nearby villages.

A suitable location for the construction of a small reservoir to support agricultural areas that lack water should be surveyed. Some reservoirs that do not have a water distribution canal system should control the discharge of water into existing canals in the dry season to relieve the problem of lack water for consumption.

It is necessary to increase the capacity of small reservoirs by increasing the height of the reservoirs’ embankments.

”

18 November 1990 Ban Muang District, Sakon Nakhon Province

152

“A

water distribution canal should be dug and a floodgate to control water at the end of the canal should be constructed to discharge surplus water into the sea. This can solve flooding problems permanently.

However, the level of water in the peat swamp should be controlled such that it is not too low, otherwise the natural balance will be lost and the environment will be threatened.

�

6 October 1985 Bah Jor District, Narathiwat Province

153

“This type of project is aimed at promoting security along the border, mainly by supporting the well-being of the local people. This is a large project that requires close coordination among the civilian, police and military sectors.

It is appropriate to divide the development areas into two zones to reflect their different geographical and strategic aspects.

An important consideration is to develop existing natural resources to ensure maximum effectiveness and to create water sources, and not to demolish them, particularly since most of the people are agriculturists. They need water for their earnings and domestic consumption. This includes industrial activity in the area as well. With regards water sources, they should be developed in relation to the watershed, without consideration of the local administrative zone. It is important not to disturb the local people if not necessary. If the land selected for the construction of the reservoir cannot be used for agriculture, site preparation would incur budget savings and the work can be done fast, without causing any conflict and public protest. Moreover, rural development would take into account the conservation of other resources including the forest and so on. This is because the forest is a source of income for the country and is a place full of natural resources that need conservation, including watershed areas, plant species, and wildlife. It also upholds a unique reputation as a tourist attraction and a place for recreation. When a developed area is safe and the people can earn an income, it means that national security has been strengthened. The target area should be clearly zoned and should be designated as an agricultural promotion zone or an ecological conservation zone.

�

29 November 1985 Development Project for Strengthening Security in Five Lower Northeastern Provinces

154

“The feasibility of a water resource development project and the construction of a water distribution system should be considered, in order to provide water to some 25,000 rai of agricultural land in Mueang Udon Thani District, and Kumpavapee District, so that planting can be done during the rainy and dry seasons. Rice farming and crop and vegetable cultivation for local consumption should be promoted. Crops and vegetables should be grown alternately, instead of growing crops only, such as sugar cane and tapioca.

�

5 January 1985 Udon Thani Province

155

“A small dike should be built to deliver water to mines and to agricultural areas.

Water will be distributed and will provide moisture as well.

�

156

“Check dam really work.

If a check dam is constructed, the quality of water will improve.

”

157

“C

ost-efficient dikes should be considered by using cheap and easy-to-find local materials, as for instance, using a net to cover rocks to close the water channel and small stream in order to retain water and some soil sediments. Retained water will be absorbed by the soil, which diffuses humidity to both banks of the stream.

Later on plants can be grown to prevent fires, while fast-growing trees will create a green environment in upstream areas.

�

22 February 1989

158

“After a check dam is built, water will no longer evaporate.�

159

“To prevent sand from entering the large reservoir, a check dam should be constructed well and deep enough to keep sand inside. If the dam is shallow, sand will flow to the large reservoir. However, if a check dam is only intended to preserve humidity and to retain water in the soil, it does not have to be deep. On the contrary, in order to be able to retain sand, the dam should be deep and should be designed to retain sand even when water flows in.

�

160

“There are two types of check dams. One provides and retains humidity, while the other prevents sand from entering the large reservoir.

�

161

“A small and inexpensive dam should be built upstream above the check dam to block water intermittently by creating small basins that can nourish the forest and provide humidity along the water channel.

�

162

“Small check dams should be built upstream of the old dam, creating small basins that can provide humidity to the dry forest so that it regains its original state. At the same time, the upstream areas are conserved.

�

28 February 1977 Ban Najorn, Maejam District, Chiang Mai Province

163

“Since the soil along the reservoir’s water channel allows water to seep out, the construction of a groundwater barrier to provide humidity in the concerned area, as for instance, a forest park, should be considered. Similar projects work well in the northeastern region.

In addition, water sources in the upper area of the project site should be surveyed in order to build an inexpensive dam to increase humidity and regain the forest.

”

23 February 1981 Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province

164

“A check dam at the water source in Samnak Mountain should be built to maintain forest humidity and deliver water to the water reservoir as well.

�

18 September 1983 Ban Khaosamnak, Narathiwat Province

165

“A

water source in the mountain at the northern part of the project should be surveyed in order to build a small dam to block the water channel in the upstream area.

Thus, humidity spreads to a larger area, thus restoring the forest’s condition. This area will become a “mountain forest” in the future. This means that there are various kinds of dense trees that are suitable for specific geographical areas.

These trees will retain natural humidity at an appropriate level, that is, not too dry, and will help to prevent valuable soil surface from eroding to the lowlands.

”

29 November 1984 Royal-initiated Water Provision Project around Khao Cha-ngok Area

166

“A

check dam should be built in the mountain in the project area and its surroundings to deliver water along the mountain ridge and to allow water to flow through both sides of the mountain slope during the dry season, working somewhat like an “artificial rainy season”.

This will increase humidity in the upstream forest and will facilitate reforestation because water can be distributed throughout the year.

If this experiment about the forest is successful, it can be applied in other deforested areas later. Moreover, ground cover plants should be grown to decrease the strength of water currents in the rainy season, which damage rice fields in some areas. Forest parks should also be grown in the lower foothills as the wood can be used by the local people.

”

27 November 1983 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

167

168

“The construction site for the check dam, which is at a high altitude and is as near as possible to the top of the mountain, should be surveyed.

The dam should be redesigned to be able to retain considerably large amounts of water for as long as approximately two months. It should be more efficient than all the previous designs, which are able to hold water for short periods only and are located much farther from the top of the mountain.

Retaining water for a longer period after the rainy season means that there will be enough water to nourish fast-growing and strong young plants that are continuously planted in the dried forest. Water is provided to areas around the dam to make the plants survive. If young plants are able to stay alive until the next dry season, they will take care of building up humidity close to the top of the mountain until the next rainy season. The humidity lines will grow densely and will gradually expand to counter the dry condition. This will gradually and automatically spread to the dry forest area downhill. Seeds of various plants that are used for reforestation will disperse and roll along the sloped area.

This helps in natural reproduction. The dam itself requires an anti-leakage technique.

Testing of various types of inexpensive anti-leakage materials should be tried to find out the best technique to hold water. In addition when a project is done, inspite of my long absence, the rehabilitation of dried forest in other areas, should be in the future.

�

9 February 1987 Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

169

“The construction of check dam in waterways at the upstream of Huai Jo Reservoir should be considered, to retain water that helps to increase humidity to the forest and to make the forest more healthy. The New Theory or Project on Development of Rained Agricultural Area, as modelled at Mongkol Chaipattana Temple, Mueang District, Saraburi Province, should be considered, as well as downstream of the Huai Jo Reservoir. Such projects will allow the people to have their own water source for agriculture and livestock. They can obtain additional water from the Huai Jo Reservoir, as necessary. This could serve more agricultural areas in the area.

�

February 1995 Huai Jo Water Basin Project, Sansai District, Chiang Mai Province

170

“A check dam should be built in waterways to slow down the current and to retain water for increasing the humidity in the upstream area.

�

11 March 1989 Doi Angkhang

171

172

173

“If we want to have watershed area forever, some important considerations are forest preservation and reforestation in upstream areas.

Perennial plants should be grown at the top of the mountain and on high hills. Firewood should be grown as well for people to cut for their own use.

However, replanting should be done periodically.

Perennial plants will provide humidity to the air.

This is a part of the natural rain system. In addition, this will help to hold the surface soil on the mountain so that it does not erode when it rains.

If the forest has been preserved well, the local people will have water for their use forever.

�

14 April 1977 Chaibadan District, Lop Buri Province

174

“There are more and more people who can be engaged to talk about forestation. However, it must be clarified that if a suitable location has been selected, just leave it and do not bother it.

The trees will grow.

�

4 December 1994

175

“If a suitable site has been chosen, leave the forest there and do nothing.

The forest will grow very healthy without the need to plant even one tree.

�

176

“The Khao Cha-ngum Project in Ratchaburi Province is one place that all of you should visit as it is easy to go there and observe trees growing by themselves.

Located near the mountain, the area is a degraded forest where there is not a single tree in a good condition. The project was carried out for seven years. I visited it two years ago, five years after it was left without anything being done to it. I found the trees fully grown and the forest became healthy without planting even a single tree.

An important consideration in this method of reforestation is to let the trees grow by themselves and not to bother them. Only give them some protection and they will grow by themselves.

�

4 December 1994

177

“W

e can bring back Thailand to being a land with abundant benefits.

But do not bother the forest. Do not do anything much.

�

178

“Under the condition of dipterocarp forest and degraded forest, nothing is needed to be done because stumps will offshoot again.

Even though they are not in a good shape, they will grow to be large trees. On the ground, small trees and seeds will grow. If they are not damaged, the forest will recover.

�

179

“T

rees that bear seeds should be grown in the highlands. When they are fully grown, the pod and seed will disperse and grow in the lowlands. This is natural reproduction.

�

180

The forest should

not be bothered.

Only give them some protection and they will grow by themselves.

�

181

“When there is humidity in the forest, there will be more rain, which increases water at its source.

�

182

“The original plant species should be studied.

Plant the species according to the list from the development study.

�

183

“Alien species should not be introduced without any precise study.

�

184

“The forest to be planted should consist of trees to be used for their wood and fruit and as firewood.

This is a broad classification. Going by a definition from the Royal Forest Department, these beneficial trees do not make a forest but an orchard more than a forest. However, with respect to supporting watershed areas and regardless of its being considered a fruit orchard, this is also a forest as it has a lot of trees and is rich in resources that provide products that are useful to the people.

�

185

“B

y growing various kinds of trees together and allowing these to be cut and used as firewood or as timber in construction work, upstream forest are saved from potential destruction by the people. They can also collect fruits for them to eat or to sell.

�

186

“A

forest park should consist of various kinds of trees, including perennials and fruit trees.

This prevents soil erosion in the rainy season and retains the soil’s humidity while also providing fruits and firewood.

”

187

“L

arge and thick weeds, such as a bush or grass, should be eradicated before planting trees.

However, there is no need to get rid of weeds in lowland and upstream forests.

�

188

“Do not remove weeds that provide ground cover because they prevent soil erosion very well and also retain humidity. To plant trees, dig a 50 centimeter-wide hole and plant. The surrounding weeds around will act as a shade for the growing trees.

�

189

“T

o see how the farm crop line helps to prevent forest fires, plant trees in a line, alternating with a line of farm crops. This is the so-called “wet system”.

”

190

“Water should be pumped step by step to reach the highest level possible. A pumping machine that uses natural energy, such solar energy and wind power, should be considered in order to save on fuel.

When water is stored at the highest level, it can be released gradually to stimulate forestation of fire retardant and fast-growing species of trees.

Moreover, the forest mountain can be transformed to a wet forest that is able to prevent forest fires.

�

191

“Water delivery to the highest point possible should be considered in order to convey nourishment to young plants that grow in the mountain at all times, particularly in the dry season when the mortality rate for young plants is high. In time the young plants will be strong enough to survive dry conditions and the mountain in those areas will be restored as a forest mountain with considerable humidity. This will also help to restore the environment in the lowland, preventing it from becoming dry. At present, it is not able to provide as much agricultural benefit as it should. However, the pumping method to the highlands covered in this project is only a prototype for the study of reforestation of degraded forest mountains.

It seems that a high investment cost is needed. However, when the solar cell pump is brought in, the cost of fuel can be eliminated. When the results are satisfactory, ways to make further savings while producing the best results can be considered.

�

3 June 1986 Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center

192

“T

he study concerns water delivery from lower to higher level using a pumping method, a simple way being a pumping machine to cover more development areas. In addition, a windmill or a solar-powered machine, or other device, such as a water turbine, can be used.

These can be used to pump water to a higher place.

�

193

“A

s for forestation, a study of the area and the water system in the mountain area should include construction of a check dam to retain humidity for longer periods and to serve as a fire retardant system as well.

�

194

“F

orestation in the mountains should be done through a “wet forest”, also called as the “forest mountain” method.

However, as there is at present less rain, a water delivery system to pump water to store in the mountain should be constructed.

A water distribution system should be introduced to facilitate semi-forestation.

”

195

“Building a reservoir will not only bring a water as a benefit, but it will also help to restore the forest and prevent runoff.

�

196

“R

eforestation should be based on a plan and carried out in parallel with the development of hilltribe communities. In this connection, forestry, irrigation, and agriculture officials have to collaborate in surveying the headwater in their areas of responsibility to develop a plan to improve it and to support the people’s occupations.

Fast-growing trees should be planted to replace destroyed forest trees and to cover waterways in order to hold the surface soil and maintain moisture.

As well, small dikes should be constructed to supply water to mines and farmlands along either side of the waterways. Water will gradually seep into the soil to produce moisture.

The people should be informed that unintentional deforestation in areas near the headwater reduces the amount of water in natural water sources.

�

24 January 1977 Mae Jam District, Chiang Mai Province

197

“To reforest hill slopes, different types of trees should be planted in order to have a multi-purpose forest.

These include fruit trees and trees that provide timber and firewood which people need regularly. Felled trees should be replaced immediately. These should all be carried out as part of the project.

�

26 January 1977 Mae Sa Water Management Project

198

“Reforestation should start right away with the planting of trees to cover waterways in order to spread moisture and increase the amount of water for irrigation. To serve the needs of the people, trees that provide firewood should be planted. The felling of trees and consequent replanting should be controlled to prevent the cutting of valuable trees for firewood. Additionally, the people could be trained to assist as rangers and thus gain mutual benefits. For valleys in the mountain, rice fields should be developed to give the people a means of livelihood. Irrigation should be provided.

When the people’s livelihood is ensured, they will definitely stop planting opium.

”

28 January 1977 Royal Project of 26th Upstream Development Unit, Huai Khunkong

199

“Reforestation should be treated as an urgent task.

Fast-growing trees should be planted to cover waterways to gradually increase moisture and spread it to either side of the waterways.

This helps the trees to grow well and protects the forest from fires, which could easily occur when the forest lacks moisture.

Plant multi-purpose trees that offer different uses, such as to cover water sources, hold the soil, bear fruits, and provide timber and firewood.

”

10 February 1977 Project of Hilltribe People’s Agricultural Area Development and Improvement Ban Pa Dang, Samoeng District, Chiang Mai Province

200

“Everyone should work together to reforest around the reservoir, up to the boundary of the preserved forest. Trees to be planted should be fast-growing and fruit bearing. They help to hold the soil and maintain its moisture.

The fruits can be sold commercially. Forest rangers should cooperate in this regard for the benefit of the public. Start with a small reservoir that can be enlarged when necessary. The reservoir has to be well managed so it can serve as a pilot project on irrigation and reforestation to maintain the headwater.

�

17 May 1977 Royal-initiated Project on Hubkrapong Land Development

201

“E

veryone should work together in planting fruit and firewood trees and bamboo at the reservoir, particularly along the ridge of the hill, which is the headwater. The planted trees will hold the soil and maintain its moisture.

The people will have several types of trees to use or sell.

�

19 May 1977 Royal-initiated Project on Donkhunhuai Land Development, Phetchaburi Province

202

“To have sufficient water for agriculture, the people should cooperate to increase moisture in natural sources of water in mountain areas. In addition to the construction of a reservoir to store water, trees should be planted to maintain the forest above the road on the reservoir’s ridge. Officials from concerned agencies should work together to select plant species that can hold the soil and increase moisture while also preventing erosion caused by rainfall.

Planting fruit trees, firewood trees and bamboo will provide the people with fruits to eat or sell and firewood and bamboo for their domestic needs.

”

27 May 1977 Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province

203

“In addition to the project’s main objective of reforesting and maintaining forest and water resources upstream, an experiment to plant trees that have a commercial value is also very useful.

”

12 February 1978

204

“It is necessary to maintain the trees on both banks of the stream in order to hold moisture. A small dike should be constructed for small water sources, including those with little water. For water sources with a lot of water, a dike to divert water to farm areas should be constructed.

�

1 March 1978 Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province

205

“T

he appropriateness of reforesting areas at the end of rice fields or crop plantations that have bamboo and firewood trees planted for cutting as firewood should be considered.

�

18 January 1979 Thoong Rerng Royal Project, Chiang Mai Province

206

“R

eforesting the area upstream of the diversion dam should be promoted. The people should work with concerned officials to plant various types of trees to increase soil moisture, maintain water sources upstream, and prevent soil erosion caused by the rain.

The people will also have sources of firewood and multi-purpose wood.

�

13 January 1979 Don Keaw Diversion Dam, Chiangklang District, Nan Province

207

“Locating the head watershed area is not easy as many details are required to determine which are head watershed areas, cultivation areas or forest areas. It is not just a matter of locating these areas on a map to show where the people can earn a living. These areas are sometimes mixed. Trees should be planted in headwater.

These may not be the specific trees promoted by the Royal Forest Department because the department has a thought or make the people to have the misconception that the forest consists of perennial trees that are not useful. The forest is not only useful for holding the soil. The forest that will be established should consist of fruit trees and trees that provide firewood and timber.

�

7 January 1980

208

“For the forest park project, areas considered for the development of cultivation plots should be conserved. The slope area of the mountain can be developed as terraced plots where people who help in reforestation can grow crops and rice. They can access the area to set up their homes and earn a living. They will no longer encroach into preserved forests for their new cultivation area.

�

13 February 1979 Ban Ton Lung Village, Mae Tang District, Chiang Mai Province

209

“Plant perennial, fruit, firewood and other useful trees in areas upstream of the dam and dike, in order to hold the soil and prevent its erosion due to rain, maintain soil and air moisture, and supply the people with edible fruits, timber and firewood as necessary.

�

19 December 1980 Huai Kum Dam, Kaset Somboon District, Chaiyaphum Province

210

“Regardless of the trees planted, be they fruit trees or firewood trees, the resulting forest is the right one because it functions the way a forest should and its resources are used by the people.�

7 January 1980

211

“Different plant species should be planted in a forest park.

There should be perennials, fruit trees, and firewood trees. These not only prevent soil erosion in the rainy season but also maintain soil moisture.

The people benefit from the fruits and firewood.

�

12 January 1981

212

“To enable the people to gain benefits and to earn a living, reforestation should be carried out based on the strategy, “plant three kinds of trees, and gain four benefits”.

These are trees to be used, to be eaten, or to make commercial gains from. They are planted to support irrigation, retain water, and cover hill slopes along small streams. Their role in this case is to receive rainwater. The fourth benefit is soil and water conservation.

”

213

“R

eforestation of three types of trees for their fruit, timber for house construction, and firewood yields four benefits.

The fourth benefit, which is important, is to conserve soil and the headwater.

�

214

“To reforest a firewood forest, in support of the people’s regular needs, estimates of the size of the area to be reforested, the population count and the number of trees planted and felled should be provided. It has to be the substitution of tree for supplying firewood all the time.

”

215

“Why should we have three types of forests? It is a matter of how we use the forest. The forest is for the people to use wisely so they will not cut trees and instead they will protect the forest from deforestation. This is an important point. The people will not cut trees in a forest that is healthy and has no barren land. This has been observed in many places. I asked the people about the forest in their area.

They told me it was still good. When people were asked whether they will cut the trees, they said, “No. If we cut the trees, we will be in trouble.” The people understand that if the trees are cut, there will be droughts and soil erosion will occur. If this happens in their rice field, their produce will be completely damaged. They know this.

”

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

216

“R

ight now, people know what are the three types of forests, but they should also understand that the three types of forests provide four, not three, benefits. The three types of forests are a firewood forest, a fruit tree forest, and a timber tree forest.

Actually, firewood and timber for constructing houses are miscellaneous uses of wood. So I classify it as tree to be used as firewood, for construction and handcraft wood, and those that bear fruit.

�

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

217

“Therefore if we develop three types of forests, there will be four benefits. The fourth benefit is important as it concerns the maintenance and conservation of the soil and head watershed area. The villagers will do this for us.

�

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

218

“Therefore, if we develop three types of forests such that the villagers will enjoy their benefits, they will value, not destroy, these benefits. The people are ready to protect the forest against destruction.

This means that if we give the people access to an area where they can live and earn a living, they will work for us mostly as forest rangers. For example, a 50-rai area in a ravine will be turned into a village for the people to live in. Villagers refer to both local residents and hilltribe people. They are all villagers.

I once asked the hilltribe people about working together and I told them that we should conserve the forest together. They said, “We are Thais as well.” That means they are villagers too and they want to be subject to the law and to earn their livelihood through legal means. If we do something good and reasonable, they will protect the three types of forests for us. If we think that the three types of forests do not conserve the head of watershed area, we are wrong. All kinds of trees are useful. The fourth benefit is the conservation of soil and the head of watershed area.

”

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

219

“R

ecently, I visited a site in the mountain at Doi Inthanon at a village near Khun Wang Forest.

I gave some advice to officials on the construction of a shabby dike. If the dike is done correctly, it should work.

I do not know if the dike has been done already or not. I believe that the money for a one-kilometer long pipe costing 100,000 to 200,000 Baht can be borrowed from Mr. Phisadech. Then some canvas, logs, and rocks available in the area have to be procured. The canvas should be sewn like a shirt with sleeves and placed in the stream. The pipe is connected to reach the fields of the Department of Agriculture Extension where vegetables are grown for the purpose of collecting seeds. This can be done right away.

Even though I told them that it will be finished tomorrow but I in fact gave them 3-4 days. I believe it can be finished.

By doing that, we may get not much water or the dike would be broken within a few months. This is all right because at present water for the vegetable plots have to be delivered daily from the stream by a truck. That costs a lot.

If the said project is done, it would cost 4,000 Baht up to a maximum of 10,000 Baht to pay for the canvas or logs, and rocks. An estimated cost of 10,000 Baht for the daily truck delivery of 400 gallons of water from the stream for watering the vegetables is very high. Besides, only some parts are watered because the water is not enough. If water can be delivered through connected pipes, the demonstration area could be expanded to two times its present size. If this is done for a six-month period, the cost will be worth it. This does not take into account the many benefits gained from the produce.

�

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

220

“The people, comprising the local residents and hilltribe communities, are smart and knowledgeable.

They have been working for many generations and they make a good living. They know where to farm and why they should conserve the forest. People who have poor knowledge of the forest are the ones who destroy the forest.

People who have not experienced rice farming for a long time will abandon the field and move to where it is comfortable and convenient for them. They forget that life can be sustained if they adopt the correct method of cultivation. In contrast, villagers and hilltribe people possess adequate knowledge. Just tell them a bit and they will understand. If we tell them clearly, they will understand better. On the other hand, if what we tell them by using language they do not understand, they will not understand.

�

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

221

“What we need to do is to allow well-intentioned people to take care of the forest. They will do so and no one will cut the forest. If there is a forest fire, they will put out the fire.

For example, at Chan Temple in Mae Cham District, there are many large pine trees. Pine trees are very vulnerable to fire. Nevertheless, forests fires are rare there. Why? It is because the villagers take good care of the forest. First of all, the government does not have to order them to do this or to do that.

They take action by themselves. They get rid of combustible things from the forest ground, or if the fire has just started, they will try to extinguish it. This is for their benefit. They earn a living from pine resin. This is their main income, even though they do it with their poor capacity.

Now if we want to help them, we should show them how to obtain good quality resin and how to improve their selling methods. It is important to do this. The villagers are smart.

Theoretically, this is the only principle concerning protecting the forest from damage and deforestation.

This is the way for the forest to survive.

�

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

222

“But this is one of the reasons why forest fires frequently happen. Sometimes they grow corn or other crops; they do what they used to do. They burn the field and burn our trees as well. Another thing that I used to see, not in the northern but the northeastern region, is that tapioca is grown densely and it is very healthy. It is many meters high.

Trees planted below the tapioca cannot survive, while those planted between the tapioca cannot breath. This is because people are allowed to plant in an area that is intended for the trees. This is not right. Therefore, I think a forest village with the name “new model” in parenthesis should be established.

This is the same term used for the three types of forest with four benefits, that is Forest Village (New Model). The principle behind the Forest Village (New Model) is a little bit different from the forest village, that is, its location is different.

”

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

223

“The villagers gathered in “the Forest Village (New Model)” must be still taken care

by Royal Forest Department. Let them do with enjoyment, because they know they can do it over there without expulsion. In addition they do not have to be and “planted the trees into”, I use the words “planted the trees into” that is into their own rice field which caused problem in many places. That is, if there are trees already, they are told that it is okay and the new land will be provided for them. Finally, the land found is without water and is arid since planted trees are died and the people can not grow rice or crops Then they ran away to the land where there is few polices and rangers. They go to deep forest and cut beautiful and valuable trees.

A thousand and thousands trees are cut and is used for cultivation.

”

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

224

“Cultivation area or rice field should be established at places where the slope is not too steep. Terrace rice field should be correctly done and we will not plant trees there. If plant, villagers will not have the good land for their earning.

What is right is they do not love the land, that means they will not the trees. Trying to provide them with water resource, they will be satisfied.

�

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

225

“Therefore, there is no need to cut trees that are found in places that are plains and where cultivation is well established.

That is, there is no need to denude these places. Most of the time, areas where projects have been developed are denuded. Trees in mountains or other areas have been totally cut. In areas where there are still some trees remaining, the trees are cut in order to plant new trees or to distribute land to the people. This is not right.

The people should be allowed to make use of land where there are no trees so they can generate some earnings.

�

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

226

“The New Model Forest Village is intended to provide land that can be used by the people to augment their earning and also to give them access to water resources. These are not difficult to achieve. A lot of money may be needed in some places but it is not difficult. Land can be found and although the soil may not be good enough, it can be improved without spending a lot money, unlike the cost of planting new trees in areas where trees have been cut by the villagers and we have had to expel or jail them and give them food. That is more expensive. Therefore, in places where people can earn let them earn. Let them have houses and some facilities.

The New Model Forest Village operates this way. We build a village for the villagers to live in and allow them to grow vegetables, rice, or whatever crops will enable them to earn a living. They do not have to be rich. In the same area, not too far from the village, we establish a station that should belong to the Royal Forest Department or other relevant agencies. At the station, trees with a high economic value are planted, as well as trees that earn good incomes but are difficult to grow and require more care. Some examples are flower-bearing tree species that yield good products. We left the trees on their own after planting. When the villagers, not our staff, came to see the trees, they said, “They are good, how much do they cost? They can be sold for a thousand Baht or thousands of Baht. Earnings increase. They said, “Give us some.”

We told them, “Alright, but you have to do the work by yourself.” Then the villagers came and we provided them support and advice on what to do. There is no need to hire them. Let them do the work by themselves. When the produce is harvested, we help them find a market or let them find a market by themselves. Thus, they will earn higher incomes.

”

26 February 1981 Agricultural Office of the Northern Region, Chiang Mai Province

227

“Construct a small reservoir around the hillside where the forest park is planted and therefore becomes moist.

By constructing the reservoir as a ladder, areas downstream of the reservoir can be allocated to members of the Forest Village for them to use to and gain some earnings.

Planting fruit trees, such as mangoes, around the reservoir should also be considered.

�

12 December 1983 Ban Nong Pai, Sakon Nakhon Province

228

“The project’s main target is to rehabilitate and conserve the arid watershed area of Huai Hong Khrai, using new methods. Water from the upper reservoirs is diverted downward along the waterways, gradually distributing moisture to the surrounding areas. Excess water flows to the lower reservoirs and is used for agricultural activities. Reforestation should start along the waterways, where there is higher moisture, compared with the hill ridge. This will bring faster results. Moreover, fewer sprouts will be used and it will be safe from forest fires.

When moisture in the waterways has increased, dikes should be constructed at regular intervals at the watershed area to store water. Water is conveyed through bamboo pipes on both sides of the waterways, helping to distribute moisture.

”

3 February 1984 Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

229

“Forest areas are developed by controlling tree cutting in healthy forests and by planting multi-purpose trees to conserve head watershed areas. Multi-purpose trees in the 40,000-rai area include fruit-bearing trees as well as trees that provide wood for construction and fuel. In addition, there is a project to plant macadamia trees along the edge of the reservoir. If no technical problems occur, the nut-bearing macadamia trees should yield high earnings.

�

21 February 1984 Royal-initiated Project on Comprehensive Development of Ping River Basin

230

“Research on forest and wildlife conservation should be conducted. A forest park for the rehabilitation of the forest and for planting ground cover plants should be established.

In addition, local fruit trees should be planted to provide additional sources of food for wild animals.

Important fruit trees, such as wild mango, should be planted throughout the project area.

Students and residents in the area should be made to appreciate forest and wildlife conservation.

�

27 June 1984 Royal-initiated Project on Development of Surrounding Areas of Yansangwararam Temple

231

“The rainy season has become unpredictable and the amount of annual rainfall is decreasing.

This is partly associated with the problem of forest encroachment. Thus, the forest park should be developed as soon as possible and it should be made up of three major types of trees: fast-growing trees, fruit trees, and multi-purpose trees. Community members who are responsible for looking after the forest will be allowed to cut trees designated for firewood. Trees that require less water and are able to hold the soil should be selected.

In the highlands, trees should be planted in clusters and small dikes in waterways on the hills should be built to increase moisture. The lower plains, regardless of whether there are trees with a commercial value or not, can be reserved mainly for the people’s livelihood activities.

”

3 June 1986 Development Study Center of Huai Sai 2 Project

232

“Planting additional forest in steep slopes and in the area above seeding plots for fruit trees should be studied, in order to identify plant species that can produce fertilizer for the topsoil in the pilot plot in the lower area.

In addition, it is important to explore a method to reclaim sediments upstream of dikes that have been built to maintain moisture. Sediments are used as soil fertilizer for an area at Khun Huai Hang Station where experimental species are gathered.

�

19 February 1987 Chiang Mai Province

233

“With regards forest development, the establishment of a forest research station should be considered, to provide additional water sources for reforesting arid forests. Residents in the project area whose surplus harvest is more than in the past will cherish the forest and will appreciate the need to protect it against encroachment. The forest development project implemented in parallel with fisheries will be a pilot development project to raise the earnings of people living in other areas that have similar structures and characteristics.

�

5 March 1987 Mae Phahaen Reservoir, Chiang Mai Province

234

“Research on moisture depletion in the watershed area should be conducted, with a view to restoring adequate water supply. The research should study several fields, including, for example, the kinds of fast-growing trees that are appropriate for the forest.

The target is to absorb and retain air moisture and to reduce evaporation to the lowest rate possible.

Bush and ground cover plants have proved most effective in preventing the evaporation of soil moisture.

It is important to consider local plants, such as hardwood trees, to promote the conservation of forest surroundings. In addition, the types of soil in the development study center should be studied in connection with the theory of minimizing water evaporation rate. In the irrigation area, a study should be conducted to determine how to control and increase soil moisture. The study should be conducted in two areas, namely in small reservoirs of the diversion dikes, and in dikes at the head watershed areas where water from natural sources, such as rainwater, is stored.

There should be no need to add water from the irrigation system to the Huai Hong Khrai Reservoir.

Instead, water will be added to small reservoirs so as to distribute moisture widely. The results of restoring forest by natural water and the project’s irrigation water will then be compared.

�

14 March 1989 Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

235

“The Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center in Khao Sawaikapi is located in a rather high area that should be developed as a source that provides water.

It can induce rain and wind that blows and condense and become rain fall around Khao Sawaikapi.

This is the way to add more water in the Huai Tapaed Reservoir, which is located at the foothill of Khao Sawaikapi.

The objective is to pump water up, step by step, to the highest level possible by using pumps that are powered by natural energy, such as solar and wind power, thus saving on fuel. Water that has been pumped to the highest level flows gently downward and is used in planting local and fast-growing trees. The project is also concerned about turning mountainous forests into wet forests, thus providing protection against forest fires.

�

26 June 1989 Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center

236

“Planting fast-growing Para rubber trees in the forest can increase the level of moisture. Planting mixed trees to make the forest dense should be considered. That is “plant forest within para rubber trees and plant para rubber trees within forest.” Forest experts should study tree species that can produce oxygen at the highest rate from photosynthesis. These species will be considered in future reforestation projects aimed at balancing the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Nowadays there are many factors that cause excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

”

22 November 1989 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

237

“S

ome people claim that generating electricity from hydropower damages the forest and poses negative impacts on the environment. This is a claim made by conservationists and there is some truth in it.

The forest is destroyed for the following reasons: a golf course, a tourist attraction, illegal logging.

These negative impacts have actually happened. However, the impact of tree cutting may worth the benefit, if it is done in a right place. Some people say that if the trees are cut, they will release certain amount of carbon to the atmosphere and certain amount of water will evaporate. So we have to choose between conserving the forest and increasing our need on consumption of electricity.

When the consumption of electricity increases, we will have to choose from a number of alternatives.

Some suggested importing coal from Australia to support generating electricity from thermal power.

That means coal will be burned to produce heat and drive the turbines to generate electricity. We have to estimate the cost of importing coal from Australia. When we burn coal to produce carbon and drive the turbines, how much carbon is released? With regards the cost of carbon elimination, which is released from three to four trees, is it reasonable or not? If electricity from hydropower is generated without having to cut trees but cutting grass instead, there will be no damage.

�

4 December 1989

238

“One of the targets of this project is to increase the level of moisture in this area by enhancing forest development, in particular by greening nearby areas as they used to be.

Little by little, reforestation should be promoted by providing irrigation water to mountainous areas.

�

26 June 1990 Huai Tapaed Reservoir, Phetchaburi Province

239

“Assign concerned government agencies to relocate those people who cut and burn the forest. They will be given land and will be encouraged to become more aware of forest conservation.

As well, they will be assisted in developing their skills to enhance their livelihoods through the use of new techniques.

�

Ban Ruam Thai, Mueang District, Mae Hong Son Province

240

“W

ith regards appropriate development of land in the higher area, where there are forest areas and some rice fields, the said area should be designated for forest conservation. Additional fast-growing trees should be planted to provide for the people’s multi-purpose needs. Thus, they will stop cutting trees in the forest. Having relocated the people to the lower area, this area can be allocated as land from which the people can make some earnings.

�

18 November 1990 Ban Muang District, Sakon Nakhon Province

241

“H

eadwater development, particularly in the highlands, should ensure that moisture is distributed from the waterways. Thus, dikes are constructed over the waterways for the purpose of storing water that is supplied to the highlands. Dikes are constructed at regular intervals to store water and pipes are installed to distribute water to both sides so that moisture is gently distributed.

Although this will take time, the cost will be reduced gradually. Meanwhile, different varieties of trees and ground cover plants should be planted as soon as possible. This will be a mixed forest where trees need not be planted in rows. The dikes will trap sediments and sand that flow down from the elevated area, preventing their entry into the reservoirs.

Thus, the reservoirs do not become shallow and their water storage capacity is maintained.

Water pollution is prevented as well. Sediments trapped by the dikes can be used as good quality fertilizer.

As ground cover plants in the gaps grow, the amount of sediments will decrease.

The development of Mae Pha Han and Doi Ton River Basin, which are large areas, will serve as models in rehabilitating other river basins. Although rehabilitation takes time, it is effective and sustainable. In a village where there is a reforestation program, land that has an irrigation system will be allocated to support the people’s livelihood.

Furthermore, the villagers should be given access to use fuel wood from the forest, to engage in aquaculture, and to carry out agriculture-related activities, such as locating forest resources, using multi-purpose wood, and selling young plants to visitors. Once the villagers decide to reside there permanently, they will no longer encroach into the forest to make a living. Instead, they will act as officials who will look after the forest and carry out surveillance duties to prevent the cutting of trees.

�

22 March 1991 Doi Ton Reservoir Royal-initiated Development Project

242

“Although the forest in this area has mainly deciduous trees, the period of changing to new leaves will be shorter when water from the irrigation system is distributed.

Mixed planting of non-deciduous trees will make the evergreen forest. An important consideration is to mix local non-deciduous trees, regardless of whether they are fruit trees that birds can feed on or trees that can hold moisture. Following the principle of reforestation, Vetiver grass should be planted in rows, firstly to conserve surface soil and trap dried leaves on the ground.

When rain falls on the leaves, they will eventually decompose and become fertilizer.

If water is allowed to gently wet the forest system, the result will be similar to that obtained from an experiment at Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center, under a Royal-initiated Project. In that project, Vetiver grass was planted in rows along the forest fire protection border, in order to retain moisture and prevent fire from crossing the forest area.

�

20 March 1992 Royal-initiated Pai River Basin Development Project Center

243

“An important principle of development of highland that has degraded forest is the need to prevent surface soil erosion. Soil erosion not only causes soil degradation and nutrients insufficiency but it also distributes several forms of nitrogen that move downward to the lower areas, contaminating natural water resources and water in the irrigation system. This poses serious harm to the people. Surface soil needs to be protected and its fertility enhanced. Surface soil should be able to better trap nitrogen that is useful to plants while being harmless to the people.

�

21 March 1993

244

“The main forest development target at the Khun Mae Goung area is forest conservation.

This means expediting the restoration of the degraded forest and restoring its green areas as soon as possible.

A consideration is to grow useful local plant species and to provide water from the irrigation system, which is composed of reservoirs and dikes. Dikes are constructed across waterways to increase moisture.

Water is then gently released, flowing in different directions. The dike works efficiently and serves its purpose.

This low cost dike can be constructed by using materials found in the forest, such as logs or rocks.

In developing the perfect forest, people living in the area should be assisted at the same time, in order to improve their quality of life. The people are encouraged to participate in growing plants, reforesting, and looking after the forest, which is for everybody. Concerned officials should conduct a survey and draw up road construction plans as needed, as a further step to maintain and take care of the forest.

Checkpoints should be provided and as the forest matures and achieves its goals, it may be able to generate jobs in the wood industry. Because fast-growing trees with a commercial value provide good quality wood for furniture, they should be grown in sufficient numbers and are eventually cut.

An important principle of development of highland that has degraded forest is the need to prevent surface soil erosion. Soil erosion not only causes soil degradation and nutrients insufficiency but it also distributes several forms of nitrogen that move downward to the lower areas, contaminating natural water resources and water in the irrigation system. This poses serious harm to the people.

Surface soil needs to be protected and its fertility enhanced. Surface soil should be able to better trap nitrogen that is useful to plants while being harmless to the people.

�

21 March 1993 Royal-initiated Khun Mae Goung Forest Development Project

245

“Promote reforestation in peat areas to conserve border areas and prevent their destruction.

�

11 October 1992 Bang Nara River Basin Development

246

“The mangrove forest is useful to the ecosystem in coastal areas and in the Gulf of Thailand. Unfortunately, selfish people have damaged our mangrove forest.

Therefore, protective and conservation measures should be implemented and seeding should be carried out, particularly the seed of Rhizophora spp. (Kongkang), a special kind of mangrove that is difficult to seed because its growth depends on the tides. Government agencies, such as the Royal Forest Department, Department of Fisheries, Royal Irrigation Department, and Department of Hydrology, should cooperate to locate areas that are suitable for mangrove seeding research and increasing the number of mangrove trees.

�

10 May 1991 Chitralada Royal Palace

247

“T

ake good care of our mangroves because they are useful to human beings.

For example, they help to filter wastewater that flows to the sea, where we have our natural marine aquaculture.

Mangroves block windy storms from the sea and prevent them from reaching the land.

Mangroves can also be used as firewood.

�

9 August 1996 Pranburi National Park

248

“The principle behind the rehabilitation of an entire area is based on good zoning. That is, the mountain zone should be planted with fast-growing plants and trees that are allowed to grow on their own, with little, if any, disturbance.

Trees with a commercial value should not be planted in this zone because we want to hold and increase the area’s moisture and coolness, and to make use of these as natural fertilizer-feeding machines, producing fertilizers from the soil and leaves.

The second zone covers the plains along hillsides, which, after being developed, will be planted with trees that have a commercial value and Vetiver grass to trap fertilizer which are in runoff from the mountains, for the topsoil. The lowest area, the area beyond the hillside, is the last zone where rice, corn and vegetables can grow. This is Sufficiency Economy.

It has also been observed that local wildlife which have disappeared do eventually return to their original dwellings because the forest has been rapidly rehabilitated to its original state.

�

20 April 2000 Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center

249

250

251

“Reforestation and cultivation of Vetiver grass have to be done together.

An example is demonstrated in Nakhon Nayok Province(1) in a small area that has check dams to slow down the water current. The dam is neither large nor small and is, in fact, a small dike. There are 35 check dams in the area. The cost of these 35 check dams is not 35 million Baht, but only two hundred thousand Baht. I would like to confirm that they work. If someone is interested to take a look, check those near Ban Boong Kae, Pakplee District, Nakhon Nayok Province. Observe the 35 check dams and see how the forest is rehabilitated. The project just finished a few months ago. The forest is already grown without having to plant a single tree.

The trees grew naturally by themselves.

”

4 December 1994

(1)

252

The project under His Majesty’s initiative on forest conservation and rehabilitation by using upstream dikes at Ban Boong Kae, Nongsang Sub-district, Pakplee District, Nakhon Nayok Province, has as its objective to restore and maintain moisture in the soil and in the surrounding environment by constructing check dams along the waterways to slow down the water current. Water stored by the check dams will flow along the surface and will penetrate the soil. Moreover, water stored upstream of the check dams will be distributed to the surrounding areas through man-made waterways that will increase moisture in the area. In areas that have suitable geographical features, a large amount of water will be stored using this method. The stored water will be useful in expanding the moist area. This project is a pilot project that shows how to rehabilitate degraded forests in different areas.

253

“Vetiver grass has deep roots that spread in the soil and acts like a wall that filters soil sediments and holds the topsoil well.

�

254

“A large amount of Vetiver grass should be planted as soon as possible because of its special property to conserve soil, particularly soil that has a hard structure, such as the soil at Huai Sai. Vetiver grass acts like a natural wall that holds moisture in the soil and makes it more fertile.

�

255

“Planting Vetiver grass is a new concept. If should be adopted without much hope, but the result is very good. There is no need to plant Vetiver in land owned by the farmers.

Instead, Vetiver grass should be planted on land belonging to the Land Development Station, where it can serve as a model in the selection of good species that do not reproduce by flowering.

After testing, species that grow in drought conditions and are evergreen even in the dry season should be selected. Vetiver grass should be planted before the rainy season and the planting method should be demonstrated before farmers from neighboring areas.

�

256

“The cultivation of Vetiver grass upstream of the water source creates a zone line that prevents the entry of sediments and chemicals and absorbs wastes that are discharged into the water source. This is because the roots and stems of the Vetiver grass can absorb toxic substances that are degraded and are converted into fertilizers.

�

257

“Vetiver grass should be planted in single rows. To maximize use of space, the interval between each stem should be 10-15 centimeters.

The Vetiver grass is easy to take care of.

Planting Vetiver grass along waterways and areas with steep slopes should be tried in order to prevent soil erosion.

�

258

“Vetiver grass should be planted in agricultural areas and along rims of ponds or water resources in the forest.

It can be planted along waterways as well to filter soil sediments and prevent their entry into water sources. The dense roots of Vetiver grass play an important part in holding soil moisture.

�

259

“Vetiver grass should be planted as it will help to conserve soil and water.

Its roots will hold water and make the soil moist. Other plants, such as corn, and perennial trees can be planted in the same area as Vetiver grass.�

260

“In the mountains, Vetiver grass should be planted in rows across the slope and along the waterways to prevent soil erosion and hold soil moisture.

�

261

“Vetiver grass should be planted throughout the entire country within two years.

Although this would require a large budget, it should be done.

�

262

“Once the slope and height are set and the grass is planted, the responsibility for taking care of the grass as it begins to sprout is assigned to officials. The grass should be supplied with water from the irrigation system.

In the rainy season, the grass should be able to survive naturally.

During the first period of planting, the time for sprouting can be shorter because of the supplementary supply of water from the irrigation system to the natural water source. Rows of fully grown and dense Vetiver grass will filter the topsoil that contains decomposed leaves. In the meantime, the grass will trap some water that will eventually seep into the soil. This will open the surface soil in the form of a terrace and the grass can prevent soil erosion, and over the long term, gently form naturally terraced steps.

�

24 February 1990 Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

263

“T

o conserve soil and water when planting Vetiver grass in the slope in the dry season, the height contour should be taken into consideration. Additional water can be supplied to the sprouts until the rainy season so that the grass will grow naturally without having to make terraced steps on the surface soil, as this can damage the surface soil. When the grass grows densely, its roots will penetrate vertically and deeply into the soil. An advantage is that when runoff water erodes the surface of the slope, rows of Vetiver grass will slow down the water current in addition to trapping soil sediments.

The water will seep into the soil, thus further spreading moisture. Moreover, rows of Vetiver grass that look like piles will help to prevent the surface soil from eroding to the lower areas. In particular, Vetiver grass will serve as a rigid wall to trap sediments and will prevent erosion that could cause the lower watercourses to become shallow and contaminated with higher than usual amounts of nitrate compounds. An important factor is that the frontline of Vetiver grass rows, which is originally sloped, will gently accumulate sediments and become a plain.

This plain will be rich with nutrients and will support the planting of trees with a commercial value.

As mentioned earlier, Vetiver grass supports the growth of trees with a commercial value and does not compete with these trees for its supply of water and nutrients.

This is different from some other water and soil conservation, since the Vetiver grass can penetrate deeply into soil and survive even in dry weather. Therefore, the Vetiver grass, a plant that conserves water and soil is planted without high expectations, but it will nevertheless provide all the benefits that are expected of it.

�

20 February 1992 Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province

264

“The surface soil of most hillsides is highly eroded by water currents. Thus, planting Vetiver grass is very important and it should be quickly reproduced.

The people should be advised on how to grow Vetiver grass before the rainy season and how to provide additional water supply.

When the rainy season comes, the grass will grow its stem in a short time.

However, if Vetiver grass is planted at the beginning of the rainy season, the rain can wash it away because its roots are still too short to penetrate the soil.

�

14 March 1992 Mae La Noi Royal Project, Mae Hong Son Province

265

“Try to plant Vetiver grass in eroded areas. Planting should be done across waterways.

The slope of the area to be planted and the amount of grass along the height contour should be considered as well. Vetiver grass should be planted three months before the rainy season.

The newly planted Vetiver grass should always be watered so that its roots will grow and go deep into soil. When the rainy season comes, Vetiver grass that is planted between fruit trees on a sloped area will be strong enough to prevent topsoil erosion caused by the rain.

Moreover, organic substances, including plants, grass and leaves, washed away by the water will become fertilizers for trees planted between rows of Vetiver grass.

�

19 March 1992 Pangtong Development Center, Mae Hong Son Province

266

“Plant the Vetiver grass in rows around a pond, planting two rows above the edge of the pond to trap sediments and leaves, including organic substances that flow with the water when rain falls. Furthermore, Vetiver grass that is planted across waterways will filter pebbles and soil sediments, preventing their entry into the pond and reducing the risk that the pond will become shallow. In addition, the areas where species of Vetiver grass are selected should be considered, referring to with little sunlight due to the canopy of large trees around the pond.

�

25 March 1992 Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

267

“In this area, the water current and the wind destroy the fertility of the topsoil. Nothing can grow on it. In this case, Vetiver grass, which is a plant that conserves water and is also capable of surviving droughts, should be planted right away. The Vetiver grass should be grown along different height contour line and has to be grown across the waterways originated from erosion by water current. This approach is aimed at diverting the water that flows along the waterways, enabling it to spread around the area. Gently, the waterways will become shallow and the bottom floor of each waterways will eventually have the same depth. Planting Vetiver grass to slow down the water current means controlling the distribution of water between each row of Vetiver grass.

At the same time, water will seep into the soil, softening the soil structure and maintaining the natural fertilizer found on the surface and the amount of moisture below the soil. This situation will support cultivation of field crops and vegetables or grass itself. The roots of the Vetiver grass are straight and they penetrate the soil deeply, acting as underground walls or dams that can store water and valuable minerals. Another very good characteristic of Vetiver grass is its ability to absorb toxic substances contained in some soil minerals. It stores these toxic substances in its stem and prevents them from reaching the lower soil, particularly near a natural water source. Furthermore, when Vetiver grass decomposes, it becomes a natural fertilizer for the trees.

When people living in the area are able to cultivate plants with a commercial value for their livelihood, they will better appreciate the benefits of planting Vetiver grass for the purpose of soil and water conservation, as promoted by the government. In connection with the government’s initiative to promote the land development is the increasingly widespread planting of Vetiver grass, resulting in large expanse of green areas and rapid land rehabilitation.

This will induce an increase in the average rainfall in the area, as well as an increase in the amount of water in the reservoir, in excess of the present level.

�

22 July 1992 Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center

268

“Hard soil cannot be used. However, if we plant rows of Vetiver grass, the soil can retain moisture brought by the rain because its root penetrates very deeply into the soil. It works as a dam and we do not have to dig and line the dug area with cement. Plants constitute a living dam. Eventually, the soil will allow us to plant other types of trees, vegetables, grass, and so on.

�

22 July 1992

269

“P

lant Vetiver grass in long rows across a slope along the edge of a fishing pond.

One or two rows will be enough, but the grass should be planted closely, stem-by-stem, making it crowded.

The grass can serve as a filter.

�

5 October 1992 Galuwo Neur Sub-district, Mueang District, Narathiwat Province

270

“The soil in this Development Study Center is rather hard. The planting of Vetiver grass should be promoted to soften the soil so that it can retain moisture.

�

April 1994 Huai Son-Huai Sua Agricultural Service and Development Center

271

“Another area is Cha-am. The soil is degraded and has become hard. However, two years after planting Vetiver grass, the soil has become softer and plants on the verge of withering have straightened up.

The forest is healthy. Air moisture is absorbed and rain clouds eventually turn to rain. Thailand will be a wealthy country in the future. There will be no danger of droughts as there was 20 years ago when Thailand, which was once wealthy and had an abundance of gardens, farms, and forests, was becoming a desert.

We will return Thailand to its fertile and moist condition. One thing should be done – we should not destroy the forest. Not much else needs to be done.

�

4 December 1994 Dusidalai Hall

272

“I

n a project area where the topsoil has no plant cover, the problem is erosion of the topsoil. As a result, the soil is degraded. Vetiver grass should be planted to solve this problem.

�

February 1995 Huai Jo Reservoir Project, Sansai District, Chiang Mai Province

273

“Vetiver grass should be planted properly, in the same manner as the experiment.

The rows have to be planted across waterways so that water is distributed to the surrounding areas.

This not only reduces soil erosion in the waterways but also improves rough soil surface, making it smooth. Moreover, this prevents sedimentation in the waterways. To plant Vetiver grass, use an auger to drill the soil until the shale and laterite layers are reached. Then put good quality soil in the drilled hole, add an appropriate amount of fertilizer and plant Vetiver grass. The roots grow and penetrate deeply into the shale and laterite layers. Plant Vetiver grass in the entire project area as appropriate. Plant the grass as close as possible. In waterways that are very deep and steep, the grass should be planted along both banks to control the direction of the flowing water and to prevent soil erosion.

As a result, the ground ecosystem is able to return the forest to its fertile and moist condition.

The amount of rainfall will increase. Land becomes useful for the cultivation of rice, corn, and other crops.

These guidelines for soil improvement target farmers in neighboring areas and eventually farmers in other areas that have similar characteristics.

�

15 July 1996 Royal-initiated Project on the Study of Khao Cha-Ngoom Degraded Soil Rehabilitation, Ratchaburi Province

274

“I am concerned about chemicals.

Farmers have to apply fertilizers and nitrate chemicals. When rain falls, these dissolve and mix with water downstream as well as with groundwater and water in reservoirs.

Vetiver grass traps nitrate and becomes fertilizer for the soil. Toxic substances absorbed by Vetiver grass degrade together with the grass after a long period of time and become fertilizers. Vetiver grass will become a fertilizer for other plants.

The pesticides will no longer be toxic as they have been degraded.

�

22 July 1996

275

“D

o not plant Vetiver grass around fruit trees because as the experience at Khao Cha-ngoom, Ratchaburi Province showed, the fruit trees could not get enough water.

When the project started here, the topography was steep and the soil was shale.

Thus, the soil was drilled and Vetiver grass was planted closely in rows, following a height contour. When rain fell, it washed away leaves and the surface soil.

These were trapped by rows of planted Vetiver grass. In addition to trapping topsoil that contained nutrients, the rows of planted Vetiver grass also obstructed the path of weeds and soil into the waterways or streams. These could have made the streams shallow, reducing their water storage capacity and causing flooding in the lower areas.

�

6 August 1996 Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center

276

“The rehabilitation of degraded areas such as this would require close cooperation between forestry and land development officials. Forestry officials would have to accelerate reforestation and the construction of headwater conservation dikes at appropriate intervals. Moreover, land development officials would have to dredge sediments from the front of each dike and use them for conditioning the soil in the plains. By dredging sediments, the pool in front of the dikes is able to store water at its full capacity and to spread moisture to the upper part of the highland. A major part of land development task is the planting of Vetiver grass as closely and as densely as possible. This may require more investments but it certainly is profitable, as the correct method of planting will result in the dense growth of Vetiver, even on the shale. The Vetiver grass will slow down the water current, thus preventing soil erosion and spreading moisture in all directions. This will rehabilitate and increase the topsoil every year. This is similar to the result of a project to rehabilitate degraded surface soil at Khao Cha-ngoom, which is under the Royal Initiative Project at Khao Cha-ngoom Sub-district, Photaram District, Ratchaburi Province.

This method will gradually allow the cultivation of plants with a commercial value, including vegetables.

This method of soil rehabilitation will gradually improve the people’s way of life. An important consideration is that we should not ignore planting fast-growing trees in the plot. This will provide the people with firewood and will indirectly prevent them from cutting trees in preserved forests. One of the project’s benefits is a reservoir that is a reserved water source for the project. Even if the amount of water flowing into the reservoir is not much, water can be diverted from a nearby reservoir to supplement water used in activities under this project.

”

3 April 1997 Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center

277

“P

lanting Vetiver grass along the border of the forest will prevent erosion of the topsoil. The topsoil further improves when falling leaves decompose and become soil nutrients. Vetiver grass planted between perennial trees could stop growing for a while without necessarily dying. When the trees are cut, the grass will grow again.

To plant Vetiver grass in the shale, holes are dug and the grass is placed in them, breaking the shale layer. This can capture sediments and leaves that will become a part of the new soil.

�

23 April 1997 Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Center

278

“Vetiver grass should be planted close to each other in rows, forming a wall to match the area’s topography. For example, in the highlands the grass is planted across the slope and waterways, whereas in the plains, the grass is planted around plots or in the ditch, alternating with cash crops. In the water storage area, the planting is done in a row upstream of the water source. Vetiver grass planted by this method will help to prevent topsoil erosion, hold soil moisture, and trap sediments and toxic substances so that they do not enter the source of water. All these are extremely helpful to soil and water conservation, soil rehabilitation and forest fertility.

�

25 July 1997 Kasetsart University

279

“O

ne of the reasons behind soil degradation is topsoil erosion, which results from cutting trees and encroaching into the forest without ensuring that such action will not cause soil erosion in other areas. The present task is different from the past one, in the sense that the task now is to preserve the richness of surface soil. In areas where soil has been degraded, rehabilitation should be carried out. A clear example of soil and forest rehabilitation can be seen at Khao Cha-ngoom Sub-district, Ratchaburi Province, where rehabilitation efforts were carried out for 10 years. Surface soil was removed, leaving only laterite. In the past, the only soil there was laterite. Trees could not grow. Those that grew in the mountain forest were cut. Soil rehabilitation is being promoted so that trees that have been cut could grow again.

Rehabilitation is not simply a matter of planting trees but also of allowing plants and cut trees to grow and rehabilitate on their own without any disturbance. The result has been good because after ten years, the forest is fertile once again.

Moreover, the lower area has become cultivable and this has been helped by the soil becoming fertile again.

Some people may not understand why the soil is fertile. Let me explain a little bit. The mountain has trees and when their leaves fall down, these will be carried away by rain to the lower area. If we do not plant Vetiver grass or if our sole concern is to prevent dried leaves and sediments from flowing to the lower streams, then we cannot rehabilitate the soil. If Vetiver grass is planted and an earthen ridge is constructed to prevent sediments from entering the stream, the soil can be rehabilitated for cultivation. If we do not do this, the soil will be lost and only shale and sand will be left. Soil that is probably rich will be flushed to the stream, making it shallow.

When the stream is shallow, water flowing down from the mountain will flood the lower plains. In addition, the water will flow fast downhill because there are few trees in the mountain, resulting in a strong water current and consequent flood. After damaging the villagers’ crops, the fast moving flood will subside in a few days, causing a water supply shortage and making soil rehabilitation difficult. This demonstrates the behavior of nature.

�

23 June 1998 Marukataiyawan Royal Palace, Phetchaburi Province

280

“Captain Thiradech was assigned to visit an area where the soil was hard and totally dry. The soil was drilled to plant Vetiver grass. Right now the soil in that area can grow anything. In the Muslim village in Huai Sai, a mosque costing 10 million Baht was erected. If the villagers had no income, they could not have survived and constructed such a mosque.

I remember that once I was engaged in a discussion under a dying tree. Now that tree is straight and healthy because Vetiver grass was planted, thus helping to condition the soil. The worst kind of soil, which, at one point, could not be drilled even by a buck hoe tractor, was dug and replaced by laterite. It was washed away by rain. Right now, the soil no longer needs to be filled with laterite. Now, a hole has been drilled in hard soil at Don Khun Huai. The soil was washed away by rain. This land, measuring about 5 rai was a donation but it could not be used for anything. We must find a way to improve it. The first method is by digging the soil and replacing it with laterite. Not long after, the rain washed away all the soil. However, when Vetiver grass was planted, there was no need to break the soil and bring soil from other areas to fill up the land. This was done as an intellectual property innovation. The project in Chiang Mai is the same.

For the past 22 years, the soil was hard. A piece of land, about 2,000 rai, was donated and the intellectual property innovation was applied to solve the problem. Now the land can be used for cultivation. At Pikun Thong, out of 100,000 rai of land only 10,000 rai could be used. But now the whole area can be used to cultivate rice. This is an intellectual property innovation that can change acidic soil to arable land where more rice per rai can be cultivated.

�

5 October 2001 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

281

“This area is a slope and the surface is shale. Its development involves a field survey of its topography to set the line where Vetiver grass should be planted. If the soil is hard and has turned into shale, a hole is drilled in the shale layer by auger and rich soil is placed in the hole.

Appropriate amounts of fertilizers are added. Vetiver grass is then planted. The roots of the grass will bring moisture deep into the soil and will gently break the shale layer to loose pieces.

The planting of Vetiver grass in a terraced pattern, with the rows close together, will reduce the water current from the mountain and will trap sediments and leaves. This not only helps to accumulate fertilizer for the topsoil but also traps sediments and leaves so that they do not enter waterways or streams, which could otherwise become shallow and their water holding capacity could be reduced, causing inefficient water drainage and flooding the lower area. Therefore, the mountain should be well conserved because it is rich in organic matters that are essential to rehabilitating the soil and making the land cultivable. It is the responsibility of the Royal Forest Department to develop the forest in the mountain and to restore its fertility as soon as possible.

�

14 July 1998

282

“Thailand has a vast land area. Even with increases in the population, there is still land available. However, most of the land is dry and not in good condition. Some are acidic, others are salty.

Some areas, such as Cha-am, have no soil. I walked and walked and it felt like I was walking on hard ground. The ground was all shale and no soil. It is now being treated and some good results have come about by planting Vetiver grass. The grass will break the stone.

�

4 December 1997 Dusidalai Hall

283

“Initially we did not have many new plant species to promote cultivation in the mountains, but we tried to apply the results of our research and benefit from them. We followed all the required steps. This is a ‘complete process’, in which each loop affects other loops.

The first loop is soil and water surveillance. In the case of soil surveillance, we have to know the exact location of the high slope area and where the poor or shallow soil is. These areas are specified as forest areas. The border should be clearly drawn to prevent the field crops from invading the forest. Reforestation is not implemented in areas that are suitable for rice and crop cultivation.

The next loop is reforestation in barren land that was once a forest.

For areas that are suitable for agriculture, it is not good to allow indiscriminate cultivation because most lands in the mountain are not plain. If the ground is ploughed, the soil will be flushed down from the mountain. We have to retain the soil by creating a terraced topography and a drainage track along the border, or by planting Vetiver grass.

”

284

“The royal project started with a small business that later expanded.

Most business of this nature is difficult to undertake, because if it belongs to a government agency, it has to follow official regulations that are time-consuming and prone to delays. On the other hand, if the project is done by a private business enterprise, it may not have enough resources.

Therefore, cooperation is the best way to obtain good results. The results are now recognized by all of you. The northern people, including those who live in the mountains and in the plains, receive support and welfare assistance. They are able to develop themselves when they have fewer problems to deal with. These problems are well known. In the northern region, these problems relate to producing drugs and growing their raw materials. The royal projects have significantly reduced the amount of drugs and the impacts brought about by disputes between the highland and lowland people. These people can work well together and their living standard is better.

As a result, the country as a whole is wealthier and secure.

�

285

“To carry out any project, the first concern is the development of sufficient land for people working for the project and other people living around the project area.

Water resources, including small waterways and capillary water, should be surveyed for the construction of small dikes to store water and divert it for use in cultivation plots.

�

15 February 1979 The Royal Project on Headwater Development; Area 14, Panghinphon, Chiang Mai Province

286

“Provide the residents of the community with one or two suitable pieces of land from where they can make a living.

Residents scattered in the river basin area can be moved to those lands as well.

�

287

“I

n planning land use for a local development project, there is a need to categorize land and provide well-sited land to prevent encroachment into the reserved forest.

We need to conserve the forest by establishing additional forest parks. In the case of areas from where the people can make a living and access the reservoir, parts of such areas would have to be preserved as the Royal Development Study Center. The center has agricultural pilot plots where farmers can practice and earn an income from the produce of the pilot plots during the implementation of the project. When the project has been completed, land will be allocated for them and their descendants to use as a cooperative village.

However, they are not given property rights.

�

29 November 1981 Huai Song Reservoir Royal-initiated Project, Udon Thani Province

288

“Help extended to the hilltribe people through the hilltribe project directly benefits them. The project will promote and improve the welfare of the hilltribe people so that they can have a better standard of living. The project will help them to cultivate useful produce from which they can earn their income. One of the project’s objectives is to promote human kindness, which means helping people in remote areas to gain knowledge and to become self-supporting as they strive for a better life. This is the right approach because improving the living standard of the hilltribe people is a big problem. We are referring to the drug problem. If the hilltribe people are given help in the cultivation of useful plants, they will quit the cultivation of opium. This will promote our policy to suppress opium cultivation and trade. This is one of the project’s benefits. Another benefit that is very important is making the hilltribe people aware of the disadvantages of slash and burn farming as this method is very destructive to our country as a whole. It is to our country’s benefit if the hilltribe people are given access to good opportunities that will provide them a good standard of living. When this happens, the entire country will be safe. If the project is successful and the hilltribe people have settled down, they will have a good means of livelihood. This development will promote our beneficial and sustainable policy of soil conservation.

”

10 January 1974 Chiang Mai Province

289

“V

illage planning has to be carefully considered. Areas that are suitable for cultivation should not be turned into village settlements because cultivable areas will be wasted.

Another concern is the effect of leveling the area. Surface soil has to be conserved and used for ploughing the area to be re-cultivated.

This will keep the soil fertile.

It also helps to save the budget.

�

20 February 1978 On Nuer Sub-district, Chiang Mai Province

290

“When we sow seeds into the soil, we have to first know the texture of the soil. We make use of analytical chemistry to analyze the soil and to determine what nutrients should be present in the soil to ensure suitable plant growth. Furthermore, the soil has to be watered.

Everyone knows that the soil has to be watered. When we water plants grown in the school, we fetch water from wells or we use tap water.

In the same manner, plants cultivated in farms need to be watered, although the source of the water could perhaps be too far. In this case, we need to have irrigation. This is not an easy task as it requires engineering knowledge and skills. Irrigation is a subject by itself. We study irrigation in order to operate irrigation systems but we do not always think about the final benefits. This is not useful at all. We have to recognize that irrigation or any related infrastructure construction is done to benefit agriculture.

�

6 February 1971

291

“People should practice crop rotation by planting beans and rice in an alternating manner in order to make the soil fertile and sustainable all year round by making good use of the land.

�

26 November 1978 Huai Hin Lad Reservoir Area, Sakon Nakhon Province

292

“Grass fields for feeding animals should be cultivated with least disturbance caused to the soil. Surface soil has more nutrients compared with the lower soil layer as it contains the remains of withered plants as well as useful micro-organisms.

�

3 October 1978 Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

293

“Carefully survey the properties of the soil to provide a basis for distributing land to farmers and constructing small dams along the streams to store water. The water stored will be gently released, thus penetrating the soil. This will increase water content in the soil in the surrounding areas. The water will be stored for the farmers’ use all year round.”

7 June 1979 Project on Huai-sat Yai and Pateng-Palau Cooperative Villages, Nongplub Sub-district, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khirikhan Province

294

“D

ig fish ponds and try to cultivate various plants in the valley and in water logged areas.

In the highlands or shale areas, consider planting beans to improve soil fertility. Moreover, soil from other places should be exchanged and fertile soil from reservoirs should be dredged for other purposes.

�

19 May 1979 Ban Don Khun Huai, Phetchaburi Province

295

“Public land should be surveyed and developed as a common pasture for livestock belonging to the villagers. It should be done in the manner of a cooperative manner.

This will demonstrate to the people how to take care of animals by applying easy animal husbandry techniques. Officials from the Department of Livestock can provide help as necessary.

In areas where the soil has a dry texture, the soil structure should be considered before developing the area as an animal pasture. This is to prevent further deterioration of soil quality that could render the land useless.

�

11 September 1979 Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

296

“When water sources have been developed, crop cultivation and fish farming can be started in the plains.

Areas in the highland can be reserved for livestock farming, growing grass fields, fruit trees and forests, thus making the soil more fertile. Finally, the entire land area can be put to good use. This process could take a lot of time but it can make the area not only vigorous but also fertile.

�

297

“Land should be developed for cooperative livestock farming by promoting breeding and by expanding plots for seeding grass.

Moreover, rice cultivation in appropriate areas to provide a local food source should be promoted. This will be useful economically and socially to communities in the area.

�

3 October 1979 Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

298

“Other villages close to the bog area, which has since been turned into an agricultural area, directly benefit from the project. Therefore, they should form a cooperative committee, with members selected from the different villages. The cooperative committee will work together to develop various areas and make them sufficient food sources for local consumption.

In case there is a surplus harvest, the extra produce can be sold in the cooperative store. The income can be spent to develop the area and maintain the drainage canal as well.

�

4 October 1979 Bah Jor District, Narathiwat Province

299

“The area should be developed and improved to provide a grass field for livestock, plots for growing plants to feed animals, and a site for the SUPPORT Center.

Water from the reservoir has to be siphoned to a storage pond located next to the reservoir.

The water delivery system has to be constructed from the storage pond to the farm plots.

�

14 July 1980 Dok-krai Royal-initiated Agricultural Development Project, Rayong Province

300

“Sediments trapped in front of the dike should be dredged and used as natural fertilizer.

�

23 September 1980 Lampaya Check Dam, Yala Province

301

“L

and allocation to encourage the members to live in groups should be based on land planning that takes into consideration the river basin.

Thus, all the members can receive water equally. The farm plots could be considered as common plots for individual groups to promote team work in a cooperative system. This will provide a right plan for the cultivation of plants with a commercial value, in addition to keeping the high quality of the produce, while the income is shared fairly by the group members.

�

15 September 1979 Ban Ka-pau, Narathiwat Province

302

“H

illy land with pebbles and rocks can be improved and made fertile for the cultivation of bananas and fruit trees.

This reflects the hard work of members of a self-sufficient community.

�

29 September 1980 Ban Lamtharn Thong Self-sufficient Development Community, Narathiwat Province

303

“The allocation of land for cultivation as a common/combined plot of the village should be considered, for the planting of vegetables, rice, and rubber. This will promote cooperation among the members of a self-sufficient community and initiate a right plan for the cultivation of plants with a commercial value and for maintaining the quality of the produce. In the future, land allocation in self-sufficient communities will be difficult as it is not easy to find suitable land that is a plain and can accommodate many farm plots close to one another. This will be a problem for people who are allocated with land on the hillside where the cultivation of some crops is not suitable.

�

29 September 1980 Royal-initiated Project at Phukhao Thong Check Dam, Narathiwat Province

304

“Cultivable land should be allocated and plots combined into a common plot for the village. The common plot, together with individual plots, provides the residents of self-sufficient community a chance to work together as a cooperative. This will enable them to plan the cultivation of cash crops. Additionally, they can sell produce from the common plot and use the earnings as welfare money for the village. Rice, their common produce, can be stored in the rice bank where the residents can set aside some of their own harvests for their consumption, as may be necessary.

�

12 October 1980 Sukhirin Sub-district, Narathiwat Province

305

“S

306 etting up a demonstration farm in the form of terraces along the hills needs adequate water supply to maximize plant cultivation.

The task of delivering and piling gravel and stones in the cultivation area, for the purpose of making a ditch and a water channel, demonstrates recognition by a self-sufficient community of the need to improve the area to be cultivated.

Dry grass and leaves can be composted as fertilizer.

Damming water in the area by using available materials in the self-sufficient community, such as water pipes made of bamboo, can contribute to progress in the locality.

�

12 October 1980 Toh Moh Royal-initiated Dike, Narathiwat Province

306

“Promote vegetable cultivation for home consumption and to earn additional income by selecting vegetable species that can be sun-dried or baked as salty vegetables. In case of an oversupply of fresh vegetables in the market and consequent price drop, these vegetables can be preserved and sold later.

Agricultural officials should demonstrate the methodology to produce salty and dried vegetables, including bringing an oven and setting it up in the village.

�

9 November 1980 Ban Nangoi, Sakon Nakhon Province

307

“W

hen the budget for the construction of the reservoir project has been used up, the province has to plan for opening agricultural land to people living in the project’s watershed area.

Thus, the land can be put into good use, making the investment worthwhile. Forestry and agricultural officials should be consulted concerning appropriate land use. In addition, provincial officials have to explain to the people the objectives of the reservoir project, that is, for in-season crop cultivation when the people need to depend on the rain. In case of inadequate rainfall, water will be supplied to prevent crop damage. In any year when water shortage is not a problem during seasonal cultivation, the excess water can be stored to support other cash crops, including the second and third off-season rice cultivation.

”

10 November 1980 Huai Suan Pan Reservoir Project, Narathiwat Province

308

“A

s for the term rice bank, some people prefer to call it “Rice Barn Business.” As a rice barn normally means rice storage, this can also be called “Rice Storage Business.” However, this is not correct because a rice bank is concerned with business like banking. Rice is the capital. When people living in the village where the rice bank is located need rice, because they have not yet harvested their own rice or they do not have money to buy rice, they can borrow, that is, make a loan from the rice bank. Once they have harvested, they will return what they have borrowed to the bank. Also, they may find work in road and house construction or engage in gardening and use their earnings to buy rice, replacing what they have borrowed or loaned, together with the interest. With regards the interest, this is determined by members of the rice bank themselves. In most cases, ten buckets of borrowed rice will be paid with eleven buckets.

”

4 December 1980

309

“L

and development procedures in preparation for the allocation of farmland should be based on technical principles. That is, surface soil, which, unknown to many, is the most fertile and valuable section should not be discarded or thrown away, as have often been done. As for tree stumps that get in the way of land leveling as there are quite a number of them, these should be removed and set aside for future use as fuel. They should not be burnt needlessly. Perennial trees that have been left in clumps can also be utilized as base for planting garden forests. Fast-growing trees that bear fruit and can be used in other ways, such as a source of firewood and as additional trees to make the forest dense, should be planted soon. The people will feel ownership of the trees and will guard them zealously, helping to protect them because of their long-term benefits to the public as a whole and their ability to maintain forest humidity at a good level and to preserve the environment in the area.

�

2 July 1981 Foothill Area Development Project, Prachin Buri Province

310

“F

armland improvement can be done without encroaching into new land. It can also be done without interrupting once-yearly rice cultivation. Forestation using local plant species that are suited to the climate should be done.

�

25 August 1981 Phrai Wan Sub-district, Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

311

“P

romote soy bean of the Royal-initiated Projects as a rotating crop since it needs little water and also helps to nourish the soil. In addition, it has a steady market.

�

3 November 1981 Ban Non Din Daeng, Buri Ram Province

312

“Implementation of this project is in the manner of an integrated or a collective project.

It can be used as a model project. All agencies should collaborate in the establishment of a development center that is a branch of the Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Center. The organizing committee will determine the layout of the land that is in the watershed area of the Pee Nae Moo Dor Reservoir Project.

Rice will be cultivated alternately with farm crops all year round. After this, the land is available for use by villagers who are diligent but do not have land from which they can generate earnings.

With the committee’s approval, they will be allowed to use the land that is under the ownership of the Development Center. When the planting season is finished, a new application is required.

The Development Center has the duty to disseminate knowledge of agricultural techniques and to distribute plant varieties and fertilizers, as well as to formulate a plan for digging a ditch to deliver water to the cultivated plots and to cooperate with the villagers in making a plan for pest control.

�

2 September 1983 Pee Nae Moo Dor Reservoir Project, Narathiwat Province

313

“The irrigation canal should be dug as soon as possible.

Water from Moo Noh Canal flows to the said area to wash the topsoil and reduce its acidity. In addition, cultivated areas on both sides of the canal are irrigated. In case there is excessive water in the area that used to be a peat swamp, water is drained by using the drainage canal.

With this method, the bad drained water will not mix with the clean water in the irrigation canal.

�

12 September 1984 Ban Khok Choom Nok, Narathiwat Province

314

“When land for the self-sufficient community has been acquired, its use, first of all, should be planned based on a map. There is a need to designate dwelling areas where the people can live together for reasons of safety and carry out farming in the surrounding areas. There is a need to strictly preserve the forest area so as to maintain a natural balance among various resources, such as head watershed areas, wildlife, and cash crops. Besides, preserving the forest can help to prevent destruction of the soil’s fertility due to erosion. At the same time, it is necessary to prepare a survey to identify a suitable site for the construction of a dike in order to retain water in the watercourse and to maintain humidity in the forest. It also provides a complete irrigation system in the cultivated areas. This can reduce the size of the land to be allocated, ensuring that there is enough land for all the members. The area between the forest and the farmland could be developed as a rubber plantation or a fruit orchard. An important consideration is to manage agriculture as a cooperative. The members should work together and receive their fair share of the produce to satisfy their living requirements. A committee responsible for the village cooperative should be appointed. It should consist of government officials and villagers who will join hands in the management, in accordance with the set objectives. When the self-sufficient community is stable enough, its role as an agricultural demonstration center for people living around the area could be explored.

�

14 September 1984 Si Sakorn Self-sufficient Community, Narathiwat Province

315

316

“To reduce the destruction of rice, let us try growing different rice grain varieties in unfertile land near rice farms to serve as food for pests.

If they can be grown in large numbers in the future, they could also be used as supplementary food for livestock.

�

4 October 1984 Kapoh Weir Project, Narathiwat Province

316

“Let us survey the field and consider a project to establish a canal system that is parallel with Moo Noh Canal. This will drain wastewater from the cultivated land and bring in freshwater to wash the topsoil.

After draining the water until the soil’s acidity starts to decrease, grow a rice grain variety that can be harvested before the flood season. The areas for the livestock should be sited at the highest level of the flood.

Plants that can be used as animal feed should be grown in these livestock rest areas. After the flood problems have been permanently resolved, the said areas can be developed as a rice farm. The project includes digging irrigation and drainage canals in the field to prevent fires from spreading to the forest.

�

5 October 1984 Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

317

“As for village development, the principle behind village cooperatives should be demonstrated as an example. That is, a village committee, representing various sectors should be set up and made responsible for specific concerns, such as irrigation system, agricultural technology, etc.

If the committee needs any technical advice or necessary equipment support, the Royal Development Study Center, which is the sponsor, will be ready to assist at all times. When the experimental village cooperatives are fully carried out, other villages, especially those in nearby areas, will come to learn from this successful development effort. In the future, the Royal Development Study Center may accept these villages as subsidiary villages of its experimental village cooperatives and provide them similar assistance.

�

25 November 1984 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

318

“L

319 and has to be well prepared. That is, hill areas where cultivation is not possible should be preserved to promote forestation.

As a preliminary requirement, a water pump or a siphon system may be used to deliver water uphill to nourish the forest in the highland.

The appropriateness of setting up a forestry village is based on a policy to promote the people’s role to grow the forest, to take care of it and to seek its benefits, in addition to their main work as farmers.

�

30 November 1989 Ban Non Doo, Nongbor Sub-district, Na Kae District, Nakhon Phanom Province

319

“In the northeastern region, most of the underground soil has mineral salts.

If a well is dug to a depth of about three to four meters, water at that depth is found consumable.

Digging to the same depth in the dry season reveals that most of the wells are dry. Digging ten or twenty meters deeper reveals the presence of salty water because of mineral salts in the soil.

Consequently, an approach to irrigation system that will provide access to water and ensure water supply for consumption should be explored. Five years ago, a reservoir project at Ban Mueng District in Ban Jarn village was set up and a reservoir was built. It worked well because the people did not want to boil salty water or to make the water salty because they knew that this would prevent them from growing rice. I gave them necessary support and this year they can grow rice very well and feel rewarded. However, quite a number of salt farms still cause different negative effects. For one thing, salt farms make the soil in the area salty and unsuitable for cultivation. They also make water in the stream brackish or salty and is therefore unusable for cultivating plants. However, a good point associated with salt farming is that it gives the people moderate earnings as there is a world market for salt that bears the quality of salt from the northeastern region. However, the best situation is to be able to engage in both rice and salt farming at the same time. To ensure this, the availability of consumable water should first be ensured. That is why I am trying to find ways to acquire both salt and rice farms as well as to ensure sufficient supply of consumable water.

�

4 December 1990

320

“A way to engage in damage-free salt farming involves the pumping of water to be used for the salt farm from the ground. After using the water, it is poured back to the soil instead of being thrown into the stream.

Water that is poured back to the soil can replace the space underneath the soil, from where the salt water has been pumped earlier. The space is filled up with water.

This can be done and is not unnecessarily wasteful.

Although pouring water into the stream is not wasteful, it can make the water in the stream brackish and the stream can no longer be a source of clean water. There are also sections of the soil that become porous and subside.

�

4 December 1990

321

“F

322 lood and saltwater have to be seriously considered, using logical thinking all throughout the story. The phrase “all throughout the story” means that anything that is done will have some effects.

These effects will in turn cause consequent effects, either good or bad.

We have to find out what we are asked to do and how to do these in order to achieve good results, knowing that good results will bring about other good results. This is the way of development, not disaster.

So today I have come to talk about this matter, that is, when we try to plan a project, a development project or any activity, we need to consider all aspects and not focus only on one particular subject.

”

4 December 1990

322

“Do not forget that the people’s demand for food and their food tastes differ from locality to locality.

Some areas are abundant in seafood that is full of iodine, in amounts that may be beyond what is necessary.

Some places with difficult terrain and are far away from the sea, such as Samoeng District and Om Koi District in Chiang Mai Province, have no seafood at all. In the case of some hilltribes, they do not like eating salty food although they are in need of iodine. Distributing iodine-mixed salt to people who are not short of iodine is a waste of money. But if the purpose is to reach difficult mountain areas, it will be most beneficial and economical to introduce a small iodine-salt mixing equipment. A mobile unit can bring the equipment to produce iodine in the area and thus save on costs. As this would mean sending concerned officials to the area, this can be managed by arranging student volunteer groups to take turns in visiting the area as part of their off-curriculum activity.

They will also be able to enrich their knowledge of various aspects of life. To develop the area, it will help by providing free iodine; check with the people beforehand or produce iodized salt on a wider basis. Secondly, there is a need to study the people’s way of life in the target area, considering the kind of salt that they consume and their source for it. That is, study and follow the production and distribution of salt so that iodine can be added at its source. This will be easier.

”

January 1993

323

“Support farmers in the project area to enable them to grow sufficient food crops, firstly, for their consumption. When the production of cash crops results in a surplus, then store these in the rice barn so as to be able to provide assistance when other branch centers need to withdraw in case of emergency. Some of the produce can also be sold to generate earnings that will be put in a revolving fund to support further development of the center’s activities. In addition, this will reduce the burden of the government and the private sectors in subsidizing funds allocated to the center. As for the financial situation of the members’ families and that of farmers in general, it is necessary to try to solve the most important problem of farmers throughout the country by promoting income savings that can be used in times of need. Moreover, farmers should avoid extravagant expenditures while their financial status is not secure enough, in order to be debt-free.

”

12 November 1985 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

324

“Press the chaff with mixed water hyacinth and dry it, forming a cylinder shape, and use it as fuel, in place of firewood or charcoal. This will promote beneficial use of residues while preserving our natural resources.

�

30 November 1985 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

325

“Hoop Kra Phong: when did it start? As indicated in the textbook, it did not start at the laying of the foundation stone at the Hoop Kra Phong Agricultural Center.

I think its work had been going on for many years, a long time before the foundation stone-laying ceremony.

So, the work did not just start at the Hoop Kra Phong Village.

Hoop Kra Phong Village came later.

Initially we started at the Cha-am vegetable garden.

�

17 March 1986 Chitralada Royal Palace

326

“S

ince the soil at Ban Khok Koo Wae and in the surrounding villages is acidic, plant cultivation is not possible, especially growing rice for consumption. It has therefore been recommended that the direction for digging a canal, to bring in freshwater from Moo Noh Canal to add to the water in Khok Kra Tom Canal, should be considered. A water-regulating structure should also be constructed to store water and raise it to a high level so that it can wash the acidic topsoil, making it useful for planting. Moreover, the small canal that brings freshwater into the plains, which are in the lowlands, should also be considered to support agricultural activities.

The provincial officer should advice the people to install gutters to collect rainwater for drinking because water in the artesian well is acidic and not potable.

�

28 September 1986 Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

327

“Plant cultivation using rainwater should be demonstrated before the farmers for them to follow.

It is therefore necessary to find land outside irrigated areas and to dig ponds or underground wells in order to collect rainwater that will be used as supplementary sources of water for cultivation. The demonstration should compare the yields of equal size irrigated fields. In the future, the farmers will provide support to irrigation projects, particularly in the form of small reservoirs. They will give their full consent to donate a part of their land within the area of the reservoir since their remaining land is expected to be more productive, benefiting the people in general. The farmers do not have to invest. Additionally, irrigation officials should conduct a survey to locate natural water ponds and to improve them so that rainwater can be stored and used for the whole year.

This will be a source of water for agriculture, domestic consumption, and fisheries.

�

22 November 1989 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

328

“Unintentionally I have passed this area , (1)

which is appropriate for storing water and preventing flood problems. I think this area is suitable. I could see this from the helicopter and made note of where it is.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

(1)

Ban Kud Toh Kaen, Kud Sin Khum Kao Sub-district, Khao Wong District, Kalasin Province

329

“I asked the people living there, “How has this year been?” They said that rice had been harvested but it was still piled in heaps. I went to see the rice. The rice had ears but only few grains in each ear. This meant that one rai will produce about one bucket of rice or less. I asked them why this happened. They said it was because there was no rain.

They had prepared the seedlings but could not plant because they lacked water. Therefore they planted in the sand by making a hole and placed the seedlings in it. After planting, the plant withered during the day and was bent. At night, it straightened up since there was dew. Finally, there was the ear, but few rice grains. This is a good lesson. They told me in a straightforward manner. This showed that rice is a very strong plant, even though the one I mentioned is an ordinary variety, not farm rice. The dew is enough. If we assist the farmers a little bit, they can produce more rice to eat.

Therefore, the project that needs to be done is not necessarily a large project. Small projects are effective. So I have the idea that in this area rainfall is fairly good but rain does not come at the right time. When rain does not come at suitable intervals, then there will be periods of no rain and rice quality will not be good.

The solution is to store rainwater. I have thought about experimenting in such area, covering up to 10 rai.

Three rai will be for the wells for storing rainwater. If needed, plastic lining will be used. Another 6 rai will be rice fields and one rai will be used as a service area, including pathways or a hut or similar. I means that 30% for water, 60% for rice farm. I believe that this can store water and the harvest should be up to 10 or 20 buckets or more per rai, possibly 30 buckets, not one or two buckets per rai as harvested previously. Let’s say 10 times more, so it would be 20 buckets. It means that with 6 rai of land at present receiving only a bucket per rai will turn to 20 buckets. It is 20 times more. For easy estimation, let us say it is ten times. So, 6 rai of land equal 60 rai. Altogether 10 rai, therefore the produce is equal to the yields gained from 60 rai at present. It should be workable. I am trying to set up this plan.

”

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

330

“I

f this project is successful, it means that it can be applied in places in Khao Wong District that are really dry, as well as in other similar places. Next year the result from the experiment may be known.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

331

“I have visited Khao Wong in Kalasin Province. I went to see how they worked and felt that there was progress from what I saw in Khao Wong 10 years ago.

Ten years ago, it was very poor. Now, it is not that poor. The people are diligent and very alert. I saw that they worked better and had smiling faces. They came and cheerfully joined the wrist-binding ceremony. This was much appreciated and was a delight for me.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

332

“Khao Din Patana and Huai Bong Sub-districts, including nearby Sub-districts in Mueang District, Saraburi Province, are places where most of the people practice agriculture that is mainly dependent on rainwater. The amount of annual rainfall is irregular. For example, rain is delayed for long periods and the people face problems of water shortage, particularly in the dry season. Thus, plots of land in the project area at Mongkhon Temple should be arranged in a new pattern, taking into consideration the development of agricultural areas with dry rainwater. For this pattern, the second plot of land, comprising 15 rai, is dug as a water storage pond that measures 3 rai. Most of the land was set aside for rice cultivation in the rainy season, in order to have enough rice for household consumption and also for growing dry-season farm crops. Some sections of the land are used for growing dry-season crops. Water stored in the pond will supplement rainwater for dry-season cultivation and will also benefit fish culture in the pond. Implementation should be done in experimental or demonstration plots that the people can use as a model to follow in their own farms.

The experimental plots in this project are for farmers living around the project area to study and develop to suit their own way of life. This will help upgrade their living standard. Moreover, this will be expanded as a model for development in the central area where drought conditions exist. In addition, the Royal Irrigation Department should consider and construct the Huai Hin Khao Reservoir to store water in the rainy season to support appropriate activities within the project at Mongkhon Temple and other areas downstream of the reservoir. A benefit from the Huai Hin Khao Reservoir Project, when construction of the irrigation system is finished, is the provision of a source of water for agriculture. This will enable rice farming in the rainy season, covering about 600 rai of farmland and growing dry season crops in about 300 rai. The people at Ban Khao Hin Poon and nearby villages have access to this water for their consumption. Besides, this project can help to increase the productivity of the people living in the project area. Farmers will earn more income. The risks to agriculture are reduced and the people do not have to rely on the rain only.

The quality of life of the farmers is upgraded. As other benefits, freshwater is available for fish breeding and culture, thus providing the people with an essential source of protein.

�

25 January 1993 Wat Mongkhon, Mueang District, Saraburi Province

333

“The New Theory should be utilized in the cultivated area of the Development Center’s project.

That is, the land distribution system for the farmers should allow each family to have small plots with an area of about 10 rai, with a pond dug in the area, the size of which is appropriate and in proportion to the land. Thus, the farmers can be self-reliant. That is, they can grow adequate rice for each household all year round because each plot of land will have a water storage pond to support cultivation, including providing enough water for consumption. Additional water can be received from the escort reservoir at all times.

”

April 1994 Huai Son-Huai Sua Agricultural Service and Development Center

334

“The New Theory is not about giving land, but it is about the land of the people themselves. The story started in Saraburi Province. I have to say this because although I have already talked about the cause of this story, I have not spoken out clearly. The story started at Saraburi many years ago. Before that, there was imagination, a dream. You may think it is strange that the plan is associated with a dream. I do not check out and study textbooks, but I look into my imagination and dream. We think there might have been a place that fits our story.

�

4 December 1994

335

“Although our country has developed quite a lot in the industrial field, agriculture has not become less important. We cannot ignore agriculture. Therefore, it is necessary to look for appropriate operational guidelines that are suited to real life situations in agriculture. Thus, our farmers will be able to produce enough for their consumption and will also have a comfortable standard of living, in keeping with their circumstances. The New Theory is another way of practicing agriculture that has been developed for farmers with a small piece of land. The important principle is to divide each plot of land into various portions. In a plot of land measuring 15 rai, 5 rai are set aside for rice growing, 5 rai for fruits, farm plants or vegetables, 3 rai for the pond, and 2 rai for houses and other needs. This principle has been the subject of experiments for quite a long time and the result has been successful up to a certain level. That is, farmers have enough rice for their consumption all year round. They also have enough income. In order to obtain more complete results in the second phase, the work should be carried out by a group of cooperatives, with cooperation from government agencies, foundations and the private sector that will assist is raising productivity, marketing and improving living standards. The third phase requires cooperation with financial and energy institutes, to help the administration and management of rice mills and cooperatives, as well as to support investments.

�

23 February 1995 Mae Jo Agricultural Technology Institute

336

“In Thailand, there is a lot of water during certain periods of the year, causing floods and damaging the cultivated of plants and grains. They died and became rotten. After the water is drained, with tremendous effort and at considerable expense, the land dries up again. Plants cannot grow and the people remain hungry and poor.

The New Theory, this project is therefore implemented so that the people will have a chance to cultivate enough rice for their consumption. If in any year, there is enough water, the cultivation of farm crops, including planting rice once yearly, is possible. In the dry season when there is less water, it is possible to use water stored in the pond in each plot. Even rice can be grown. There is no need for a large irrigation system because the farms have their own system. Moreover, vegetables can be grown, fish can be raised, and so on.

This New Theory is aimed at preventing water shortage during normal periods. It will make the farmers richer.

In case of a flood disaster, the farmers can quickly recover without needing too much assistance from the government. This will make the people self-reliant. This is why I support the implementation of the New Theory.

�

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

337

“Implementation of the New Theory is not easy. A great deal depends on the place itself, the opportunity and budget. At present, the Theory is widely known among the people.

They would like the government to dig more ponds and to assist them. This is not an easy task. Some ponds have no water. Although there has been rain, rainwater could not be retained because the ponds leaked. The New Theory should be applied in appropriate places, like Khao Wong District in Kalasin Province where it has already been implemented for the past three years. The outcome has been good and the people have requested for more assistance.

�

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

338

“T

he principle is to divide the land into three parts. One part is for rice cultivation.

Another part is for farm crops and garden plants. There is also land that can be dug to make a pond.

This has already been done by the simple villager way. Eventually, the rice and vegetable harvests can earn the people some 20,000 Baht per year. This means that the project works. Thus, the “New Theory” project will be expanded to other places. In addition to the pond in the area, a large reservoir is also needed to supplement water in the pond.

”

4 December 1995 Dusidalai Hall

339

“I intend to support the establishment of rice mills as I have done at Chitralada Royal Palace. It dos not cost much.

Rice is sometimes grown or bought from the farmers and brought to the mill.

Rice is sold at a reasonable price by cooperatives. The mill that is operated at Chitralada Royal Palace does not receive rice harvested in the Palace since this is used for the Royal Rice Ceremony.

The farmers are happy because they can sell their rice at the right price and the consumers can buy it at a cheap price because transportation costs are reduced and there are no middlemen involved.

In conclusion, both the producer and consumer are happy.

�

4 December 1997 Dusidalai Hall

340

“I myself have had the opportunity to learn and engage in rice farming.

Thus, I know very well that rice farming is difficult because there are considerable burdens.

One needs a good rice variety and technology to achieve good results.

In addition, at the end of the farming season, other plants should be grown in the area to increase the farmers’ income.

At the same time, this helps to loosen the soil, while also adding fertilizers in the form of the plants’ remains. This improves the soil texture and makes it suitable for the next season’s rice cultivation.

”

4 December 1992

341

“R

ice is a very strong plant, even though the one I mentioned is an ordinary variety, not farm rice. The dew is enough. If we assist the farmers a little bit, they can produce more rice to eat.

�

4 December 1992

342

“A

t the Royal Development Study Center, rice is cultivated in many ways. A point to consider is how to grow rice in such topography. Technically it may not be exactly correct. However, that is the way the people do it. So I try to do as well. If rice growing does not yield good results, then try to solve the problem in other ways. Irrigation, land development or the application of technical knowledge of agriculture can help to increase the yields. Regarding rice cultivation, such problems as how to plant, store, mill and sell should all be considered. This means that problem solving is done both at the beginning and at the end.

�

26 August 1988

343

“If the operation follows the set principle, there will be sufficient quantities of rice revolving in the rice bank. In fact, the number will gradually increase and there will be sufficient amounts of rice for the next generations. Finally, the rice bank will become a source that provides benefits to the people in the village. It will also be a source of preserved food for the village.

�

344

“T

hey said they could sell jasmine rice at a higher price. This was true when they sold to markets abroad. However, the farmers did not get a lot of returns.

They still had to buy rice for their consumption and this was more expensive because of the transportation expense.

�

4 December 1997 Dusidalai Hall

345

“A

s for growing rice, I used to support the farmers to grow enough rice for their families’ consumption.

Keep the rice in a small rice barn. If they harvest more than what they need, they can sell it. However somebody said that this is not right, particularly in the northeastern region, where jasmine rice is cultivated for commercial purposes. This is correct, because jasmine rice can be sold at a good price. But after selling, the farmers have to buy rice for their own consumption.

From whom can they buy? Every farmer grows jasmine rice. In the northeastern region, people like to eat sticky rice.

Who would want to grow sticky rice when it is said that the person who grows sticky rice is foolish. This is important.

Therefore, I encourage the farmers to grow rice for their own consumption. If they like to eat sticky rice, then they should grow sticky rice. Let them grow the rice variety that they would like to eat and store their harvests for their consumption during the year. If there is land, for off-season rice farming or have enough land to grow rice, then grow jasmine rice to sell.

�

4 December 1997 Dusidalai Hall

346

“The cattle bank is considered as a new subject in the world because the present priority is to achieve progress through the use of machinery in agriculture. These days people seem to have realized the difficulties in using machinery as the price of fuel is quite high. They are worried that the positive effects of using labor saving equipment could be lost and therefore they are looking for ways to use traditional labor saving methods, such as using animals. The animals used in agriculture are cows or buffaloes.

Procuring a cow or buffalo to own poses a lot of problems as farmers do not have the money to buy it.

Feeding the animal is also a problem. My idea is that it would be good if we set up a unit that could make a cow or a buffalo available for the farmers to use. Such an arrangement could be made possible in the form of a “bank”.

”

14 May 1980

347

“I

do not want anyone to kill a cow or a buffalo because these animals bring benefits to farmers.

�

348

“W

ith regards public farmlands in the lowlands, the province should clarify and reach an agreement with the people that they can use these areas in the dry season, with full technical assistance from the government. However, they will not have any right on the land. It is important that these areas receive large amounts of water from the highlands during the rainy season. The water will overflow to the drainage canal, releasing the load of the drainage canal while controlling the flow of water and preventing any damage to the city. If we can do this, the community area will be safe from flood disasters. Agricultural areas outside the city can be fully utilized after the flood has passed away because the water reserves in the canal can be used to support agriculture for the whole year. In a year when there is no flood, even greater use can be made of agricultural land. As for degraded forest in the peat swamp, this should be conserved and rehabilitated to make it fertile.

�

20 June 1998 Natural peat areas at the end of Nong Yai Canal, Chumphon Province

349

“The Royal-initiated integrated agriculture, according to the New Theory, is a practical method for farmers who own small landholdings. The main idea is to enable the farmers to earn sufficient incomes to support their standard of living, while keeping some of their earnings as profit. They can use the profit to pay for essential agricultural products goods and services that they cannot produce, such as water pumps, fuel, oil, etc. An important consideration is that the New Theory does not focus on off-season rice farming since a lot of water has to be used. Instead, rice is grown in the farming season so that rain is the main source of water. The formula “30-30-30-10” that is set in the New Theory is just a rough formula. It is flexible depending on the appropriateness of the area and its topography. For example, in the area of the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center, we have prepared an almost complete water storage and water distribution system to supplement water in the ponds. Thus, the size of the pond can be reduced while the size of the agricultural area can be increased. It is important to determine how much annual capital for water resources should be made, in order to calculate the amount of water needed to continuously support agriculture under this New Theory.

The water storage has to be calculated taking into account the area for receiving rainwater and another larger area in case of heavy rainfall. Otherwise, the cultivated plot will be flooded. Therefore, water from the upper reservoir should be supplied to the small reservoir.

”

14 July 1998 Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center

350

“L

et us raise a frog in the rice field where it can perform its duty by eating insects and pests, which constitute natural food for frogs. It is not necessary to apply too much pesticide that might be harmful to consumers.

�

18 November 1998 Royal Personal Development Project, Bang Taen Sub-district, Ban Sang District, Prachin Buri Province

351

“The rice variety that can be produced should not be sold. A methodology to set up a system in the form of an agricultural bank should be explored. Let the farmer borrow a variety of rice to grow, returning this within the time allowed. Regulations should be carefully and clearly defined.

�

18 November 1998 Royal Personal Development Project, Bang Taen Sub-district, Ban Sang District, Prachin Buri Province

352

“The word “Sufficiency” is enough. If a person has enough for his/her needs, greediness will be reduced. A person who is less greedy will hardly exploit the others. It would be good if all countries would observe this concept. The economic aim is to achieve Sufficiency. This means not too much, that is, not too much greediness. Then one can live happily. Too much greed is not good. Sufficiency could mean one has a lot or may be one is luxurious, nevertheless he or she must not exploit the others.

Everyone must be sufficient in thoughts, words and deeds.

”

4 December 1998

353

“This Sufficiency Economy or the New Theory will bring further growth to the country if everyone has perseverance, tolerance, calmness and do not talk much and quarrel. If everyone can do this with mutual understanding, I believe that all will be satisfied.

�

4 December 1998

354

“The project is working well at Khao Wong District in Kalasin Province. Rice is grown in a 12-rai land, yielding adequate harvest all year round. I visited those who did not harvest enough rice and found that the rice stalks only had a few grains. When the villagers saw what was good for them, they asked me for help. The area to be farmed next year is 10 rai, 100 rai the following year, 200 rai the year after, and so on, expanding to other regions. The New Theory works.

Complementing the New Theory is the concept of Sufficiency Economy. Those who apply the theory should be realistic and prudent. As conveyed in the New Theory, industriousness and tolerance are expected of those who adopt the theory.

This is not easy to do. We have to follow the theory not simply because it is based on a concept of His Majesty.

We could adopt it conveniently. The theory cannot be carried out just anywhere. Sites should be properly selected and carefully prepared. This will allow expanded application of the New Theory so that it can be adapted to suit specific areas, depending on their geography and the potential to complement it with the provision of additional sources of water.

�

4 December 1998 Dusidalai Hall

355

“I know it works because I have received a report from the official concerned, with photos attached.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who went there on 30 November confirmed the report’s accuracy.

In mountainous areas where there are natural ponds and wells, the rice yield is high. It means that if we are industrious to dig ponds and utilize water from these ponds, the land provided for each family will be adequate for cultivation and will provide enough rice to live, to eat and perhaps to sell. I visited Khao Wong District in Kalasin Province several times and each time I saw evidences of drought conditions. However, this time, following the implementation of this project, the situation is better. The people living there have food to eat. If the project is implemented in other places, the villagers as well as the farmers will live well. It is not necessary to spend as much as 300,000 Baht because digging the pond gradually does not cost much. For this project we spent 300,000 Baht because we had to take action very quickly, otherwise the people might doubt if the project could actually work.

Now the people believe in the project because they have been able to develop their landholdings within a year and they have come to depend on them. Therefore, with perseverance and sufficient knowledge, the people are able to live in an area that had once been deserted land.

�

4 December 1998 Dusidalai Hall

356

“According to His Majesty’s initiative, the New Theory refers to a way by which to initiate and develop multi-crop farming by growing several kinds of crops in the same piece of land or by rotating crops, for example, growing rice, and growing legumes after the rice harvest. Just doing this can be regarded as following the New Theory.

”

4 December 1998 Dusidalai Hall

357

“T

he principle behind restoring the prosperity of all types of land is based on good zoning. The first area is ‘the mountain zone’. We cultivate fast-growing plants, not cash crops, and let them grow without any disturbance.

We prefer plants that can increase moisture and coolness. We can use their dried leaves as natural soil fertilizer.

The second zone covers plains along hillsides, which, after being developed, will be planted with trees that have a commercial value and Vetiver grass that are used to trap run off fertilizer from the mountains, for the topsoil.

The last zone is the lower area beyond the hillside, where rice, corn and vegetables are grown. This is Sufficiency Economy. It has also been observed that local wildlife which have disappeared do eventually return to their original dwellings because the forest has been rapidly restored to its original state.

”

20 April 2000

358

“Set Tha Kit Por Piang is repeatedly mentioned.

In English the words mean “Sufficiency Economy”. Many people claim that the term “Sufficiency Economy’ does not exist, nevertheless it can be considered as being newly-coined.

It means being economical without being stingy. Whatever we do should be based on compromise and logic.

This is Sufficiency Economy. It makes everyone happy.

”

4 December 2000 Dusidalai Hall

359

“I

t is not important to be a tiger. What is important now is to achieve ‘Sufficiency Economy’.

Sufficiency means that we can be self-supporting. As I said, Sufficiency does not mean that every household should grow crops for their own food or weave fabrics for them to wear. That is over the top. However, residents living in a village or a district must be reasonably sufficient. Anything in excess of what they need can be sold. But the place where these are sold should not be too far away so that high transportation costs are not incurred.

”

4 December 1997

360

“... Much of the land in Narathiwat Province, covering over 300,000 rai in

one area, are low-lying plains that are vulnerable to floods and the soil quality is poor.

As a consequence, a large number of farmers do not have suitable land for agriculture from which they can make a living. Although water is completely drained from the area, the soil is still not suited for agriculture because of its pyrite content that consequently releases sulfuric acid. Dry soil becomes acidic, raising the need to improve its quality.

Therefore, concerned agencies should improve the condition of the soil through an integrated study to develop the bog area. If successful, the project will serve as a model to develop the bog area afterwards.

�

Narathiwat Province

361

“... Most of the areas are old boggy areas.

The soil contains dried plants that have accumulated over a long time.

The mixture of dried plants and seawater will produce sulfur in the soil.

The sulfur combines with the air and produces oxides, which, when combined with water, becomes sulfuric acid. ...

�

Narathiwat Province

362

“L

et us conserve parts of the bog area and maintain their original state to ensure equilibrium in the environment.

�

363

“The bog forest … we should conserve it since it is important to the environment.

Trespassing should not be allowed.

”

364

“... The bog forest is important

for the improved living standards of local residents living around it.

It is also regarded as a natural reservoir that slows down the flow of water from the hills down to the sea. ...

�

365

“Soil in the boggy area in Narathiwat Province is really acidic.

Following the project’s implementation, it has become possible to grow rice and carry out other farm activities in a real boggy area.

A pond was dug and its bottom was lined with limestone.

Lime dust was applied to prevent the water from turning acidic.

Water is then delivered through a pipeline, bringing positive results.

The villagers living around the area used to be poor and had nothing to eat.

Now they have smiling faces because of their productive farming.

�

4 December 1997

366

“... Tricking the Soil Project is one of the reasons why I have been saying for the past three to four years

that we need water to make the soil do its work. If the soil works, then it would not be ‘angry’. Nobody believes this.

I have done this here and it really works. This is one of my outputs in this area. It is the most important task. I believe that when foreigners come to see this, they will be pleased because should they encounter a similar problem, they would be able to solve it. This is not explicitly stated in textbooks.

I have been to Khok Jik-Khok Nai (Takbai District) and have observed the cultivation area that they pointed out to me. They said that previously their harvest was only 5 to 10 buckets, but this time they harvested 40 to 50 buckets, which is satisfied. We have dug the soil, mode it acidic and then drained water off. The soil could not be more acidic, as its acidity has already reached the highest level possible. The farmers’ standard of living gets better everyday. This is victory. I am very happy that the project works and that the farmers’ life has improved. Previously, the farmers needed to buy rice, but now they have surplus rice yields that are more than enough for them to sell.

”

5 October 1992 Narathiwat Province

367

“... When we have categorized the different soil layers

suitable for growing farm crops and restoring the forest, we should grow plants that are useful not only for maintaining the topsoil air and humidity but also for household needs, such as providing sticks for starting fires to cook food, wood for house construction, fruits, and so on.

�

368

“Preparing the soil for crop cultivation along the slopes requires that the topsoil which contains rich nutrients should be conserved. As well, grass and other suitable plants are grown to hold and prevent the topsoil from being ploughed or eroded by rain and the flow of water. If the topsoil is ploughed or eroded, cultivation could become unproductive because of poor soil quality.

�

3 February 1977 Ban Pha Phu Jom, Keud Chang Sub-district, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province

369

“We should prepare the rim of the reservoir for cultivation, following the pattern of a terraced field to prevent erosion of the topsoil because of the rain. We should also plant farm crops, trees, timber trees and ground-covered plant to conserve soil moisture and to beneficial use of the villagers.

�

10 February 1978 Thai Noi 1 Village, Thung Samor Project, Khao Kho, Phetchabun Province

370

“When areas along the contour line and river channel are explored, we can allocate land for various utmost benefits. If farm crops and timber trees are planted above a reservoir or in a mountain, they will conserve watershed areas and maintain soil moisture.

�

29 May 1978 Ban Don Khun Huai, Phetchaburi Province

371

“ L

... and improvement must include conservation of the rich topsoil.

We should not plough or peel off the topsoil. The remaining trees must be preserved to maintain soil moisture. ...

�

9 May 1984 Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Center

372

“I

can say that I am not worried about poor soil quality, regardless of where it is found, because soil improvement is not difficult. Regardless of the soil’s quality, that is saline, acidic, or poor, we are able to improve it within a few years by using old-fashioned techniques, not modern ones.

The old-fashioned technique utilizes compost or sediments that are found along the creek. Building a reservoir improves the soil and prevent soil erosion. The technique is easy.

”

7 January 1980

373

“ L

... et us study to find out how to rehabilitate poor soil for cultivation, as well as test, plan, and manage a cultivation system that is appropriate to specific geographical areas.

�

26 November 1986 Khao Cha-ngoom Soil Improvment Study Project

374

“A

ctually the term ‘land development’ refers to improving soil quality.

This is not a simple matter of examining the soil’s condition. Definitely it can be done. Some countries develop the soil from a rocky terrain until a garden can be grown in it.

”

7 January 1980

375

“Let us practice crop rotation by growing legumes on a terraced rice field, alternating with growing rice. This will nourish the soil.�

16 January 1981 Tung Luang Development Royal Project, Chiang Mai Province

376

“When soil becomes hard, we should break the topsoil and dig a hole. After that we can grow Leucaena leucocephala trees and turn the soil over to expose its lower layer. Leucaena leucocephala trees will become good fertilizers, better than animal manure. The soil will be suitable for cultivation within two years.

�

26 November 1990 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

377

“Besides deforestation, growing farm crops, such as corn and cassava could make the soil poor and sandy.

In the dry season, soil is eroded by the wind. In the rainy season, it is eroded by water.

�

19 June 1997 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

378

“Land at the gully channel is of reasonable quality. There are not too many problems. We use fertilizers as we normally do. Land at the slope comprises sand, shale, and rock. We should grow Vetiver grass along the contour line to hold the soil and to produce organic fertilizers. Sandy soil without Vetiver grass is eroded when it rains. We should grow various kinds of trees to retain soil moisture.

�

19 June 1997 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

379

“... Officials from various departments told me that the soil around this area

is not good and it is not worth implementing the project here. However, I said that poor quality soil is found in many places in Thailand. If all we do is say the soil is poor but do not improve it, eventually the whole of Thailand will turn into a desert. Officials understood the situation and tried to find ways to improve the soil for cultivation.

Now, we can grow rice and various kinds of crops. If all that we take into account are the usual factors, that is, how much do we invest, how much do we gain, and how much is the harvest, we will not know anything. We think that after we have improved the soil, the land should become more useful and the yields should increase.

�

19 June 1997 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

380

“D

eveloping poor or degraded land means improving the land until it becomes arable.

�

19 June 1997 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

381

“... Using water to

directly remove acid from the soil demonstrates how water can help to improve the soil for cultivation.

Accordingly, we should extend the project by encouraging the farmers to follow this method. ...

�

382

“... From now on,

the soil will no longer be acidic because it has already reached its highest level of acidity.

If for whatever reason the soil becomes acidic, we will resort to drainage.

Thus, days after days the soil will be better and better. ...

�

383

“... The way to prevent the soil from being ‘angry’ is important. When the soil is no longer ‘angry’, it can be used for crop cultivation. ...”

384

“ T

... o prepare the plot for growing perennial trees in acidic soil, firstly the topsoil is excavated.

Soil dug from the lower level is placed on the plot and the topsoil is put back on top.

This will help to elevate the plot.

�

Narathiwat Province

385

“Now local communities in some areas face the problem of soil acidity arising from different reasons. They cannot grow any crops. First of all, the Royal Development Study Center should select an area with problems similar to those in other areas and place this under the responsibility of the Study Center. After that we will run a simulation using our technical knowledge. The objective is to study the gradual worsening of soil condition in the project area and the length of time involved in the process. Next, we should find ways to correct the problem to the best of our ability and to disseminate the findings to the farmers.

�

16 September 1984 Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Center

386

“... Conduct an experiment to make the soil as acidic as possible by draining the

water until it runs dry. Study ways to combat soil acidity. The results can be used to solve the problem of acidic soil faced by the people in Narathiwat. Tests should be carried out for two years and rice should be used in the test. ...

�

26 September 1984 Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Center

387

“... Let us make a demonstration plot to improve acidic soil and provide the people with a model to improve the quality of acidic soil for crop cultivation. ...�

28 September 1992 Narathiwat Province

388

“... The project to improve acidic soil should be further implemented to include a study, an experiment,

and dissemination of the experiment’s results. We should do the following. Leave the soil for a year and observe whether it will change or not because of acidity in the soil layer that contains sulfur. If we expose this layer to water and air, it will become sulfur oxide. More water is needed to dissolve sulfur oxide. The addition of oxides results in sulfuric acid.

Further amounts of oxides will block exposure of the soil layer that contains sulfur, to oxygen.

Thus, acidity will not increase. In principle, this is what happens. When we expand our experiment to other plots and leave these for a while, we will can find out if the plots will regain their former condition or not.

When acidity increases, more time, perhaps a year or so, is needed to restore the plots to their original state.

If we do not use the plots for some years, we can observe how poor their quality will be and how long it will take before they can return to their original condition. ...

”

5 October 1992 Narathiwat Province

389

“... We will extend the results of our experiment as they can put into good use in other areas. Nakhon

Nayok Province is an example. We would like Nakhon Nayok to have more water. The area is suffering from a drought and the soil is acidic. It is not good to add limestone to acidic soil. What we have studied will be useful and will provide a reason for implementing a project to provide water in Nakhon Nayok. The soil will no longer be acidic. It is not whatever happens, then just applying the limestone as that we received from business firms. Two or three years ago, only limestone was used and it proved useless. We need further studies.

�

5 October 1992 Narathiwat Province

390

“... If we use water, as I said, we will be able to decrease soil acidity.

When the yield is acceptable, we will leave the soil for the time being for the purpose of checking whether its sulfur content will react with oxygen and become sulfuric acid or not. If it does, we will analyze the problem again to find out how much time is needed.

�

5 October 1992 Narathiwat Province

391

“An experiment is just like a textbook. It should be recorded as a textbook that shows the experiment’s application to other areas with acidic soil.

It may be unnecessary to divide plots of land in this manner. Earth dikes that are built to block water could take the form of a canal, an irrigation system, a road, or a bridge. We have to study this.

”

5 October 1992 Narathiwat Province

392

“... Research results from the Pikun

Thong Royal Development Study Center have been successfully disseminated to Ban Khok It and Ban Khok Nai. Once infertile land has been developed and rice has been cultivated. We should carry this out in other areas that have complete irrigation systems, for example, Ban Khok Chum Bok, Klong Bang Toei, Khok Kra Thom, and Khok Yang.

To develop land with acidic soil, we need to use irrigated water to remove acidity. There should be channels to drain acidic water from the area. ...

�

9 October 1992 Narathiwat Province

393

“S

oil along the rim of the Toe Daeng bogs is still acidic. We should build a pond to store freshwater that will be used to farm rice fields in the dry season. We need an experiment to prevent freshwater stored in the pond from becoming acidic. The experiment begins by stripping the very acidic soil at the lower layer and replacing the bottom of the pond with the top layer of good quality soil.

Then we lay limestone that is alkaline on top. This will prevent the soil’s acidity from rising to a level that will not allow farm crops to grow. If the experimental results are satisfactory, we should build the pond and proceed, as I said, to other suitable areas along the water delivery canal, in order to provide a model for local farmers.

�

4 October 1996 Ban Phu Yo, Takbai District, Narathiwat Province

394

“T

o improve acidic soil, we should study the soil at Pikun Thong in Narathiwat Province, where acidic soil is in abundance. When we dug the ground to build a well or a fishpond, fishes leaped out. I had never seen anything like this before. Even the goldfish that were tolerant of acidity jumped out. The lotus plants wilted because the water was acidic. Eventually, we should be able to solve the problem of acidic soil. Now we can grow rice in acidic boggy areas.

Not many people have seen bog soil and know what it is like.

Let me tell you about bog soil. When we dig about the ground up to two meters deep, we will see that the soil’s upper layer is red. As we dig deeper, we will see green and magenta. The soil contains sulfur. When sulfur combines with air and water, it will become sulfuric acid. There is sulfuric acid down there. Officials engaged in land development told me that they would die if they had to dig the ground like that. Soil that contains sulfuric acid cannot be used for crop cultivation. I thought it would be a good idea if sulfuric acid factories could make use of sulfuric acid obtained from digging acidic soil. Another alternative is to have battery factories use this. If sulfuric acid is placed in the battery, we will produce electricity. Electricity is difficult to generate. Making sulfuric acid battery sounds good.

Following the method that I used, within two years we should be able to grow rice for our own consumption.

Earlier in Takbai District, which shares a border with Mueang District, the farmers could not grow rice. Although the rice stalks were green at the beginning, they turned yellow because they were dry and were wilting. In some areas there were green stalks of rice, in others there were yellow stalks. In a one-rai rice field, the farmer harvested half of a bucket only, some even less. We went to this area where we have been trying to solve the problem of low rice production for the past two years. Now, farmers can harvest up to 30 buckets per rai. They invited me to visit their rice fields and I saw the quality of their rice crops. They had stored rice in small sacks placed along the footpath. We parked the van and they loaded the sacks into my van. My van was full of rice. They told me that the rice was for my consumption. I declined and told them that I already had plenty of rice. I told them that if they had enough rice to eat, they should sell their surplus rice. They said they used the technology that I taught them to improve acidic soil and make it usable. We can do it.

�

4 December 2003 Dusidalai Hall

395

“If the Thai people do solve the problem of flooding, Bangkok will be severely flooded.

Some have issued warnings about this for many years and I myself have simply listened. I do not want to tell the truth that Bangkok will be flooded.

Of course, the flood will subside.

The reason for the floods is not the pumping of water from artesian wells.

The fact is, the whole area of Bangkok is boggy. I knew this from the time that we started digging at the Rama IX Royal Park.

The land is boggy and the soil is acidic.

Most areas in Bangkok have acidic soil.

�

4 December 2003 Dusidalai Hall

396

“When I see some things, I sometimes come up with an idea. I went to Khao Tao around 1952-1953 to lay the foundation stone at Khao Tao Temple. Construction of the dam began in 1962-1963. The foreign experts who tested the soil told me that it was the worst soil of its kind in Thailand and that it was totally useless for cultivation. We filled the area with sand and laterite and grew Vetiver grass. The water in the dam was salty and could not be used by the local people. After testing the soil, an official told me that the soil was salty because the water was salty. I made a study and found out that the local people have been growing pineapples, which, by their nature, like alkali. This is why salt is applied while planting pineapples, consequently giving pineapples a sweet taste. Fertilizers and pesticides are also applied.

When it rains, rainwater will wash the salt, fertilizers and pesticides. The Khao Tao Dam can hold about one million cubic meters of water, compared with its previous capacity of one hundred thousand cubic meters. Having solved the problem of salty water, we can now feed the fish. Within a year, the local people were able to catch fish, with catches amounting to ten tons of catfish and Mozambique Tilapia. We dug the soil and tested it. The soil in the reservoir was not salty.

The water was not salty either. The pH level was eight. Now the dam reservoir contains water to its full capacity.

The local people have a better understanding of the problem and they have stopped growing pineapples in those areas.

�

5 October 2001 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

397

“Most of the people in this village are still poor. They lack freshwater for domestic consumption and for agriculture. The monks at Khao Tao Temple also face the problem of water shortage. Water is supplied by building an earth dam that also prevents the entry of seawater into canals in the village. A reservoir has been constructed to store water for domestic consumption and for agriculture.

�

1962 First Royal-initiated Irrigation Project Khao Tao Reservoir, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khirikhan Province

398

“... We have been visiting Khao Tao since 1953. I went there that year

in a rather rundown jeep and we got stuck in Ta Kad, an area that became muddy when the tide went out. Nothing could grow there except for fiddler crabs. We could not do anything. ...

�

399

“Khao Tao’s water and soil problems are the worst in the country. We cannot grow anything because the soil does not contain any nutrients. Even the grass cannot grow.

The solution is to use laterite soil. Everyone has probably seen red laterite. I never thought that laterite is useful for agriculture. In fact, laterite soil contains enough nutrients for planting. Nevertheless, some plants fail to grow due to the absence of microbes that could help them to absorb nutrients from the soil. We can see laterite soil being brought in from small mounds along the road. These mounds are in the west, which is not far from here. Laterite is mixed with the soil, and, as a result, grass, flowers and trees grow well.

�

4 December 2001 Dusidalai Hall

400

“Khao Tao is the driest place in Thailand. However, some people claim that the northeast is drier and should be made green. In fact, there is ten times more rain in Khao Tao than in the northeast. In the past, however, the rains came to Khao Tao only one or two days a year.

�

4 December 2001 Dusidalai Hall

401

“Some projects have come about by chance, like the Khao Tao Reservoir Project. The name

‘Khao Tao Reservoir’ might give the impression that the reservoir is a big project. In fact, it is only a small project that has come about by chance. I went to Hua Hin some 50 years ago, driving along the beach until I reached Khao Tao Village. I passed along the beach, the road, the coast, and the road again until I reached Khao Tao Village, a fishing village where the majority of villagers earned a living from collecting clams. They rarely worked the farm and engaged in very little fishing. I crossed the village and reached the approximate area of the field that the people referred to as “Ta Kad”, which became a muddy area at low tide and slightly wet at high tide. We drove further and our jeep got stuck in the mud. The villagers joined the policemen and soldiers in getting the jeep unstuck and pushing it to the other side of the road that was a track for carts. We walked through Khao Tao until we reached ‘Pran Khli Khiri Beach’.

We kept driving along Pran Khli Khiri Beach until we reached Pran River. These whole route took several trips. While approaching Ta Kad, I got the impression that this area was useless because it had too little freshwater and too much salty water. So I thought, if we block the seawater from coming in, we should be able to drain out the remaining seawater and retain freshwater. This way freshwater can be used for agriculture and fisheries.

”

4 December 2001 Dusidalai Hall

402

“I came here 40 years

ago and felt sad that the place was very poor. The Khao Tao villagers did not have enough money and food. But now they have a better life because the soil quality is better and conditions around the area have improved.

�

4 December 2001 Dusidalai Hall

403

“I

t is about time we should work against time and depleting resources.

Experts from various fields should be gathered to work together to make this voluntary job successful, that is, to give the hilltribe people a higher standard of living and encourage them to stop growing opium poppies and practicing slash-and-burn cultivation that jeopardizes the conservation of forests and head watershed areas.

�

404

“... T he role of the accounting staff is one aspect of development work that we have not thought

about. When villagers farm and harvest their crops, they should divide their yields into two parts: one part for home consumption and the other for selling. When they earn an income, they can buy supplies for their basic domestic and farming needs. This kind of study has rarely been done. Whatever we harvest, we can sell and earn an income. Then we must keep an account as well. Some local people cannot do this correctly. ...

�

405

“T here must be a way to find

a technique or scientific method to modify the weather, to form and gather the clouds and induce the rain.

�

1956

406

“A

rtificial rain-making refers to a method by which we are able to trap humidity that moves above the ground, and to bring it down.

�

4 December 1993

407

408

Royal Rain Diagram

Royal Courtesy of His Majesty the King

“A rtificial rain will not change the season.

It is not a miracle that would ensure that there will be enough rain to support cultivation during the dry period, or to replace water held in an irrigation system. However, artificial rain is just an alternative that provides hope that there will be water in the dry season and that the farmers will be able to continue to cultivate.

�

23 July 1974

409

“... A rtificial rain was introduced in 1955

but not much had been done since. I went to the northeast in the dry season in November. There were a lot of clouds there but the northeast remained arid.

Then I realized that two things should be done. The first is to build a check dam. ... I had this idea while I traveled from Nakhon Phanom to Kalasin, passing through Sakhon Nakorn. I reached Sahatsakhan, now Somdej District ... I stopped to visit the people there.

The area was dry and dusty ... ... But when I looked at the sky, I saw that there were clouds. How can I bring the clouds down as rain? I have heard about rain-making so I consulted Khun Debariddhi. It is possible to make rain. There is a book about it. I have read the book.

It is possible. ...

�

17 March 1986

410

Photograph by Royal courtesy of His Majesty the King

“... T o move clouds from the mountain top and to fatten them, we should

learn how to bring down clouds from the mountain range and the high mountain top.

This is like a natural cloud-making factory. Do not to let the clouds disintegrate because this will reduce the chances for precipitation. ...

�

411

“Sometimes artificial rain-making could be discouraging when there is inadequate humidity

in the air. Nevertheless, we can still make artificial rain but not much. Sometimes instead of artificial rain falling at the Ping River Basin, which covers certain areas in Chiang Mai and Lamphun Provinces, it will fall in Chiang Rai Province, which is located in the Mekong River Basin. However, according to a report on rice farming in Chiang Rai Province, which is the food and water basket of the country, artificial rain was not wasted because the rice harvest there accounted for approximately 90 percent of the expected yields. This means that Thailand is not dry and that it has many agricultural products. For instance, Chiang Rai Province, one of the largest rice producers in Thailand, is capable of achieving satisfactory harvests. Artificial rain-making is effective, as seen in Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai’s agricultural products have contributed to increases in the national income and have provided the people adequate rice supply for their consumption. To solve the water problem, various associated issues should be addressed both in the short-term and long-term. Artificial rain-making, for example, is a short-term solution to prevent water in the dam from drying up and to ensure adequate water supply if water is used carefully.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

412

“In recent years, water supply has been

decreasing for several reasons that even experts are sometimes unable to explain. Some put the blame on deforestation, but actually deforestation is only a factor.

There are other factors that cause our water supply to decrease.

There are a number of solutions to help alleviate the problem. An example is artificial rain-making, which is a method by which we trap humidity above the ground and bring it down. This year we have enough water because we have been making artificial rain for almost three months.

�

4 December 1992 Dusidalai Hall

413

414

“O

ne day during my stay in Hua Hin, I saw large heavy clouds gathered up above while rain poured on the sea. As I said earlier, in 1955 I raised the question as to why land remained arid in spite of the presence of clouds right above. The people told me that their rice yields that year were poor as the land was arid and there was not enough water.

At first, the Royal Rain was a thing that people laughed about, but now they can see that it works. I assigned M.R. Debariddhi Devakula to undertake research in artificial rain-making. In 1961, we carried our experiments in areas where there were no clouds at all. We used an aircraft to drop dry ice. The clouds started to form and became sources of humidity.

In 1970, artificial rain-making was carried out without having to request for budgetary support from the government.

I used my personal funds to buy the materials necessary for the experiment. While boarding the aircraft, I saw big clouds at the rear of the aircraft. I then asked the pilot why we could not induce the rain. Even we could, it was raining in the sea.

What we had to do was to form the clouds and bring them to the target first. The following morning there was nearly 40 millimeters of rain. Without such inducing method. Now we can do this method We are now trying to obtain a patent to guarantee our intellectual property rights. While westerners use an aircraft flying at an altitude of over 30,000 feet to bombard the clouds, we use a light aircraft flying at an altitude lower than 3,000 meters. M.R. Debariddhi Devakula praised me as a master. In fact, I did help. Foreign experts made many discoveries concerning artificial rain and we could not benefit from it. They could not do like us. Although they have invested in private firms to further develop artificial rain-making technique, they could not use it on a commercial basis as they could not direct the rain to fall on a specific area. However, we were able to do it because we never planned to use the technique to make a profit. Instead we only had the interest of the people in mind. Our technique is free of charge. We have conducted artificial rain-making operations in areas exceeding thousands of rai and in river basins. We have contacted administrative district officers concerning these operations. Artificial rain-making was also carried out for sugarcane farmers in Kanchanaburi Province as well as for rambutan and durian farmers in the east. The technique worked well. Hundreds of farmers, led by the provincial governor, visited me and gave me a lot of fruits. This means that the technique works and the farmers have benefited. The intellectual property rights have not been patented yet. Up to now, I still have not been given back my funds. I have never requested the government for a budget.

We were able to buy the materials and equipment because the people donated to our project. We made the artificial rain to help the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to produce electricity, and the Authority helped us in return. Singapore and the Indochina countries have made inquiries about the Royal Rain. I told them about it although I have not received the patent yet. I do not think there is any one who wishes to copy our idea. During the artificial rain-making operation, we faced a problem concerning the use of salt. When we sprinkle the clouds with salt, salt usually adheres to the aircraft pipe that sometimes triggers emergency landing. Officials from Department of Intellectual Property Rights should be invited to fly and observe how artificial rain is made.

�

5 October 2001 Piamsuk Villa, Klai Kangwon Palace

415

“... T he area of every Royal Development Study

Center provides in a miniature scale varied geographical features found in each region. A study on the development of various aspects of agriculture is then carried out. ...

�

418

“... It is a center or a place that

gathers technical knowledge, in order to show how development can be carried out in an effective way. ...

�

419

“T he Royal Development Study Center

is a place that gathers officials from all divisions or departments concerned with agriculture, social development, employment, and education promotion.

This means that anyone who needs technical know-how can consult these officials. The officials and the public are gathered at the same place, thus fostering a two-faceted perspective of their discussions.

This means that the people, the important target group, will benefit from what they will learn from the officials.

�

11 September 1983

420

“... T he Royal Development

Study Center is similar to a natural living museum where everyone can come and see all that is being done. ...

�

421

“... W

hen the experiment finally succeeds, we will organize a demonstration of the results at the Center. The demonstration will be in the manner of a presentation at a scientific museum. This will reaffirm that every development study displayed at the Center is practical and is intended for the public. ...

�

422

“T

he history began in 1977 when a village head donated a 264 rai-piece of land to build a royal mansion at the foot of Hin Sorn which is next to Hin Sorn temple. In the beginning, I needed to find out where that piece of land was located and therefore made some inquiries. I located it in the Hin Sorn Mountain Map (Map 1: 50,000/sheets 5236 I, II, 5336 III, IV). After receiving this piece of land, I consulted a map for information on how the place looked and checked out its topography. I found that the place was on the upper corner of one of the map sheet. So, 4 sheets must be patched together to make a map in order to find out where that land was. Then I asked the donor if it would be acceptable to him if, instead of a royal mansion, a center for the study of agriculture will be built on the land. He gave his approval and construction of the center started.

�

423

“T he Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center in Cha-am District,

Phetchaburi Province, was originally sparse woodland. People cut the trees for fuel and for making charcoal. Some farm crops and pineapple plants were grown until the soil became infertile and sandy as it was completely corroded by wind and water. There was only shale left and this turned hard upon contact with air. The soil had no useful mineral content.

�

424

“V arious development projects have been carried out to further improve on natural resources and maximize

their benefits to the country and the public in general. In practice, these projects do bring about most, if not all, of their expected outcomes, as stated in their objectives; sometimes, however, they may also cause some damages and losses.

To achieve their objectives, projects should be carefully and comprehensively considered. This would provide an indication as to how far the projects’ results could be extended, while also clarifying the pros and cons during the projects’ implementation. This way workplans can be drafted and modified to correspond with different processes during the projects’ implementation and therefore alleviate potential/actual damage, allowing the projects to yield maximum benefits.

”

15 July 1976

425

“T he objectives behind the establishment of Royal Development Study

Centers are to improve and enrich the villagers’ landholdings by means of land development, water resource development as well as forest rehabilitation, and to provide technical guidelines in planning cultivation and animal farming, using a fund for development to which generous persons have contributed. The Royal Development Study Centers will provide model farms for farmers in general and development officials who can come to observe agricultural demonstrations to gain further knowledge. Furthermore, the centers can also serve as core centers to develop adjacent areas and make them more prosperous. Once the villagers start to have a better livelihood, the construction of a rice mill and a rice bank for each village may be considered, in order to train the villagers to be self-reliant.

�

3 August 1981 Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Center

426

“Let us consider areas

suitable for conducting projects to promote fisheries and agricultural occupations in the eastern coast of Chanthaburi province.

�

28 December 1981

427

“L

et us locate deteriorated areas in preserved forests and areas for public use, in preparation for building a Royal Development Study Center like the Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Center. This Royal Development Study Center will focus on the development of coastal areas.

�

428

30 December 1981 Chitralada Royal Palace

“A s soon as possible, let us develop this piece of land which is the royal

boundary of Marukataiyawan Royal Palace so that we can restore its environment and make it resilient. In particular, let us reforest and provide water sources to supply moisture to the land and to promote activities to develop agriculture, with the participation of villagers. Civic groups should be developed and made self-reliant so they can improve their communities. These groups can be patterned after the Royal Development Study Centers.

�

5 April 1983 Royal Thai Aid-De-Camp Department

429

“T he vital objectives of Royal Development Study Centers include two main points.

The first is to demonstrate turnkey development, that is, villagers in the rural areas are assisted so that they will be able to rely on themselves to make a living; they should also be given access to new comprehensive agricultural technologies to enhance their work and to become more effective. The second concerns relevant sectors of the government that are involved in different aspects of rural area development.

They are encouraged to cooperate, coordinate and combine their efforts and to exchange knowledge and experience among themselves in order to foster unity in the work of the government for the benefit of villagers. In addition, the Royal Development Study Centers also provide venues for different academic services in specific localities, each of which has its distinct topography, climate and problems.

�

11 September 1983 Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Center

430

“L

et us establish the Royal Development Study Center in the northeastern region, its objectives being to study and experiment on different agricultural activities that are appropriate examples for farmers to adopt in their own land; to run an agro-industry business; and to promote cultivation of legume crops that will be processed into industrial products.

�

27 November 1983 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

431

“T he project’s key targets are to rehabilitate and conserve

Huai Hong Khrai watershed, which is facing critical drought condition.

New methods will be used, as for instance, irrigation from the upper reservoirs to various watercourses so that moisture is spread gradually, while the rest of the water will flow down to the lower reservoirs for use in agriculture later. In this connection, reforestation should start along watercourses that contain more moisture, as opposed to mountain ridges, so that results can be seen right away. This will also save seedlings and make the forest safe from forest fires, the watercourses being more moist than usual. Next, check dams should be built at regular intervals to store water. These are then tapped using bamboo trunks to release water along both banks of the watercourses, thus helping to spread moisture throughout the watercourses. To promote fisheries, fish species should be controlled and protected and fish catches should be regulated to allow the villagers to have their fair share. Further to farming and raising livestock, including cultivation of cash crops and dairy production, groups in the form of cooperatives or unions should be established by slowly expanding the business. Meanwhile, agro-industry should be studied concurrently to address the problem of oversupply of farm produce that can be converted into preserved products to be distributed later.

�

3 February 1984 Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

432

“B ecause the project area

is comparatively dry, there is a need to survey watercourses where weirs can be crossed in order to ensure water supply to support the project’s reservoir.

This will also convey water for use in farmlands and pastures.

Storage ponds will be built at regular intervals to store water that has been drained from the ponds.

This is also an economical use of water.

Uncultivable lands could be modified and used as pasture for feeding livestock.

�

Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

433

“R ight now in some areas, villagers are encountering

the problem of acidic soil in their farms, making these uncultivable. The Royal Development Study Center should therefore identify areas at the Center that are in a similar state and simulate as much as possible the situation in actual farmlands, based on relevant academic theory, in order to study the pattern by which acidic lands are experiencing gradual deterioration and the length of time for each phase.

Next, studies on solutions and replenishment of problematic soil should be conducted.

The knowledge gained is then disseminated to the villagers by the Center.

�

16 September 1984 Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Center

434

“T

he main objectives of Royal Development Study Centers in different regions have been established based on a close coalition among developers from government bodies, especially from the agriculture sector, and from the private sector.

They have joined together to develop rural areas so as to improve and sustain the people’s livelihood and bring about greater security in the rural areas. They also aim to support their standard of living and to improve it step by step until it reaches an optimal level. With regards the various steps towards rural development, these should start with studying the culture and indigenous traditions of individual villages, which the villagers have inherited from their ancestors. The villagers should then be shown the advantages of applying new technologies before the knowledge is actually transferred to them for practical application later. We must always be reminded that villagers are friendly, considerate and are often not argumentative. If we do not behave arrogantly and we show them sympathy, we will win their acceptance and establish close relations with them. Thus, we will get precise local information that can be used as basis for drafting effective development plans.

�

22 November 1985 Puparn Royal Development Study Center

435

“T et it be conserved as a place to visit as well as a place for studies of

the life and behavior of birds that feed around water sources. Experts should be invited to conduct studies and should be asked for recommendations concerning maintenance.

�

26 September 1986 Bog Areas in Pikun Thong Royal Development Study Center

436

“K ung Krabaen Bay focuses on studies related to coastal areas, beaches, various trees and coastal fisheries.�

26 August 1988 Dusidalai Hall

437

“W

ith regards the words “Royal Development Study Center, based on a royal initiative,” these words may lead us to understand that the topic is a development study based on a Royal initiative. It is not like that.

“Royal initiative” means that the entire concept and work of a study center are implemented in pursuance of a Royal initiative. However, its business is named Development Study Center, referring to the center or the place to gather studies on how to develop successfully. The center was not named Development Study Center at the time of its establishment, as the center was erected first and then named Development Study Center. This means that after its business was set up, the center was given a name to pinpoint what its business was about.

”

26 August 1988

438

“T he Royal Development Study Center has adopted a principle whereby, if what has been done

provides good results, the work is duly recorded and the notes are compiled into a textbook. According to this principle, all textbooks should be derived from actual experience. Therefore, in some textbooks you will read instructions about growing rice, cultivating plants and so on. The topics seem non-academic and specialists may deny them, but when experimented upon, the experiments will prove successful. In the end, the people who look up textbooks would find useful topics that might have been forgotten. This is another benefit of the Royal Development Study Center, which is not an experimental station but an experiment, a friendly and informal one.

�

26 August 1988

439

“T here may also be cases when the experiment conducted has failed. In this situation, the Study Center

should not be ashamed of failure. When a government experimental station has carried out something and failed, it is not only ashamed, but also it undertakes serious remedial measures. It is, of course, good if a government sector has done something successful. This has become normal. Sometimes it is praised for the good that it has done. However, if the government sector has done something wrong, it would be kept in close watch and might even be penalized.

If the Royal Development Study Center has failed in doing something, it should not be considered for punishment, instead there should be recognition that an experiment might not bear fruit and could cause potential harm. Having gone through this experience, the Center may decide to resume the said work to study where mistakes were made and to learn a lesson from them. What has been done wrongly should be known and accepted as being wrong. Nevertheless, if other agencies and other government bodies have done something incorrectly, they should be stopped and punished at once. In this case, officials are not yet aware of what exactly was not right. Consequently, in the Development Study Center, if what has been done wrongly, it can be a monument of incorrectness to recall that such practice cannot be done. However, damages found in the Royal Development Study Center are not much because the experiments conducted are small-scale and they can be restricted for evaluation and study by observers seeking to verify academic principles.

�

26 August 1988

440

“A nother thing that the Study Center is not is that it is not a college nor a school,

but a place that people from all walks of life can visit. To call it a school is not right.

It is a place where one can observe and study or where students can pay study visits.

All levels of civil servants, from junior to senior officials, can also come and visit. It means that everyone can come and observe within the same place. The Center’s way of addressing development in all academic fields is similar to the ways of a museum, where the people can visit and observe technologies that are related to development. Furthermore, by visiting a the Royal Study Center, the people can take a break from tension due to work. Therefore, visiting a Study Center is similar to visiting a public park where knowledge is also provided. All these are principles that are observed by the Royal Development Study Center.

�

26 August 1988 Dusidalai Hall

441

“T herefore, the Royal Study Center has been created based on the belief that something should be done,

regardless of whether individual Royal Study Centers have particular capabilities or not. It is understood that Royal Study Centers should have certain qualities in order to operate as Royal Study Centers. In reality, it is totally up to the situation at hand, meaning that a Center should just do what it believes it should do. This is an important consideration. There are not many plans and the Royal Study Center was created based on an idea initiated at that time. Try to do one thing and try to do another thing. Accordingly, the Royal Study Center has become beneficial and those who have participated in its work from the beginning can explain to current officers how it worked in the past.

As for future seminars, we must rely on those people who have pioneered in various fields of work from the beginning. They will be asked what have been done in particular areas on particular occasions.

�

26 August 1988

442

“T he Royal Development Study Center at Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, was originally

a place where nothing could be done. No one had cultivated anything. None. The only people around were those who cut trees and dug the area. The “soil digger” was the government who used the soil for paving roads and other needs. The place could be described as being hopeless to develop. At an early stage, I told them to develop the place. They said it was hard to succeed. I told them to raise cows. The cows could not survive. Overall, they said a few cows could be raised. Nevertheless, right now more than 50 to 100 cows have been actually raised. The Center can also be used in other ways, such as for studies related to forest conservation and reforestation.

”

26 August 1988

443

“T

he Royal Study Center at Sakhon Nakhon is part of a preserved forest and some of its sections stand on land owned by the villagers.

The two other Royal Study Centers at Kung Krabaen Bay and at Huai Sai have different features. The Kung Krabaen Bay Center focuses on coastal areas, a variety of trees, and coastal fish and fisheries. The Huai Sai Center is composed of villages. A large number of people live in the area, which is considered to be within the premises of Marukataiyawan Royal Palace. Therefore, work has been initiated under the supervision of the Crown Property Bureau. I must try to improve the people’s living standard. There have been many hurdles and much work has been done in an effort to reforest the mountain by using water from solar-powered pumps.

”

26 August 1988

444

“A t Kao Hin Sorn, many parties have cooperated within

the past 15 years. This can be a model for mutual help among villagers.

Implementation in other places can then become easier. There must be patience. Then what? Patience yields benefits. Villagers are happy.

I am also happy. Earlier in this place even cassava trees could not grow.

Now it is better and comfortably cool. It has changed a lot.

�

23 April 1997 Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Center

445

446

447

“I would say right away that projects,

such as the Royal-initiated Projects, which are based on royal initiative, are not implemented based on theories but on practical experience. It means that there is total comprehension of what should be implemented and this is tried experimentally.

�

26 July 1989

448

“T

he Royal-initiated Projects are concerned with the development of the people’s livelihood. This is because, as I said, the country can exist only if the people have a good quality of life, security and safety. Hence, everything related to development is intertwined with national security.

”

26 July 1989

449

“So each place has characteristics that are different from those of other places and each place operates

according to its capacity or a plan that has emerged at a certain point in time. On questions concerning what policies are being planned, just continue doing so. There is land, and whoever has an idea that will be supported to experiment on whatever subjects relating to development can carry on. As for experiments in individual academic fields, it is up to the departments and divisions to decide what they want to do, such as to study rice varieties, corn varieties, etc. The study should be done. Some have been implemented already but there is no suitable place available. The study can be continued at the Royal Study Center. With regards administration, departments and divisions have allocated staff to take off from their duty to work at the Center. These officers work diligently. This is useful for the concerned divisions/ departments. The Royal Study Center is considered as another place where various divisions/departments or governmental agencies are allowed to conduct experiments, in case land that can be used by those divisions/departments is limited. This is a place to lend or to be used as a field. It is convenient because there are other agencies and departments in the area.

As a result, there is cooperation not only among them and government agencies, but also among companies and other interested members of the private sector. Crucial to implementation is cooperation among all units concerned.

�

26 August 1988

450

“D evelopment, such as

the Royal Project, is mainly based on a principle or probably a theory that people should be able to earn incomes immediately.

It is not five- or ten-year project.

A long-term project is needed.

This is because there must be a master project. It must be there.

However, it is interesting that wherever I go, I see people in trouble; they are getting poorer and poorer every year or even every day, I must say.

�

26 July 1989

451

“T herefore, it means that

these Royal Projects in pursuance of a royal initiative were partly based on an idea. Royal initiative refers to the King’s idea that is implemented by others.

�

4 December 1996 Dusidalai Hall

452

“I

n Thailand, the expression “loss is profit” is significant of a practical approach. A very clear example is presented by the Royal Projects. I do not mean to boast about the Royal Projects but I would like to clarify why these projects have been conducted like this. Some say the Royal Projects are contrary to technical rules. True. They are not right.

But I take note of places the projects can be implemented and I take action urgently, although the projects might not have undergone bidding procedures in compliance with regulations, or the total cost of the projects might be higher than their actual price. For instance, while a project may need an investment of 10 million Baht, the cost could drop to eight million Baht if there are a comprehensive study and an invitation to bid, according to regulations. However, these procedures could take months or years. If the project is implemented at once, it could cost about 10 million Baht but at the end or before the end of the year, the project would already have started to yield results. The people will benefit as they will have an income. Consequently, at the end of the year we do not have to provide assistance. There is no need to distribute clothes, food and so on. By not providing this type of support, we can save on the cost of donations.

”

4 December 1991

453

“H owever, most of the Royal Projects

that are implemented by others can produce valuable benefits and I am grateful that a small thought that I initiated can be useful and good for the people at large. This is what the Royal Projects are about.

�

4 December 1996

454

“I went to one village. A man told me that there was no water for consumption. He said that we should

not even talk about growing rice for sustaining life. Last year there was no water. Years before there was too much water. It was flooded. After the flood, there was no water. In conclusion, sometimes for three to four consecutive years he could not grow rice or whatever he could grow was not sufficient and he felt desperate. I visited his rice barn where the rice that was left was not enough to fill up a sack. Here in the rice barn, there should have been an adequate amount of rice stored for consumption throughout the year. I asked him if there was no water. He said there was no water, but there was flood. When I visited, there was drought but the place had actually been inundated. Therefore, I asked him when was it flooded and then I asked the officers as to how this problem could be solved. The officers agreed that when water flowed down, it should be drained promptly and when the level started to drop, the remaining water should be stored. Later on the Royal Project was introduced. This was at Narathiwat Province in September.

Within three weeks the project was started and by December the project was partly implemented using an investment of five million Baht. In January, the southern region was inundated. In spite of the flood crisis, rice could be cultivated 100 percent in the project area. This meant that while other areas were completely helpless, this area was totally successful. In the following year, I went to visit him. He showed me his rice barn full of rice. He said he had already sold two carts of rice and that the area, covering almost 50-60 thousand rais, was in the same perfect condition.

I calculated that the five million Baht investment really paid off. If this project had not been urgently implemented, in five years he would not have any food. The government’s public welfare program would have come to help, and he could not have lived his life. This is an example of a Royal-initiated Projects.

”

26 July 1989

455

“I do not want us to have a very advanced country because if we have a very advanced country, there

would be regression. Those countries with advanced industry will recede backwards and will be in dreadful regression.

If we have a management system, called “Poor Man’s Management”, which does not rely too much on textbooks but is harmoniously implemented through the people’s mutual generosity towards one another, the country will stay forever. A person who works following academic rules must cling to textbooks. He flips through the pages until the last page, where the book says “there is a future” but does not say how to do it. Then the book is closed. Once the book is closed, the person does not know what to do. Finally, he goes back to the first page and starts anew. This is regressive. However, if we use the poor man’s textbook and practice flexibility and kindness, the text will never end, and we can achieve progress gradually.

”

4 December 1991

456

“O ur economy has long

been dependent on agriculture. Our national income, which is used to foster all kinds of growth, is mostly derived from agriculture. It could be said that our country’s prosperity must depend on the significant growth of agriculture.

�

9 July 1964

457

“I have always been convinced that

agriculture is the foundation of life because it is a source of food and raw materials for different industries. Agricultural production is based in a vital way on nature. Accordingly, we need to develop and preserve nature’s abundance as a supplementary factor in increasing the quantity of products, in order to support the well-being of the world’s population.

”

6 December 1995 The Grand Palace

458

“A griculture is regarded as the foundation and life of our country

since a majority of the Thais are farmers. For this reason, I have always had the idea that the most suitable development strategy for our country is to develop all fields of agriculture so that it would achieve substantial progress and thereby uplift the living standard of farmers. The strategy starts from production using economical methods and equipment. What is naturally available is modified and used in compliance with topographical conditions, in order to enable farmers to have adequate harvests of their produce for their sustenance.

It means that self-sufficiency comes first as a preliminary step and that surplus produce can be sold for extra income. To obtain complete results, there must be decent management of marketing as well as processing of products that will increase the value of agricultural products. In this regard, our farmers’ living standard will be secure and they can be self-reliant, influencing the country’s overall economic status and making it strong.

”

23 July 1998 Kasetsart University

459

“In our country at present, there are a large number of farmers who are suffering

hardships and are not able to be self-reliant. This difficulty is due to the lack of funds and the inability to utilize our physical and mental abilities in practical terms, for full scale production. Furthermore, since the farmers are not adequately supported in trading their products, they cannot earn a large income from their production. Farmers should be provided assistance to make them self-reliant. The forms of assistance require cooperation from government bodies and private agencies. Using their mental power and professional capacity, experts should join hands in providing knowledge, ideas and procedures, based on technical principles. As well, they should help in drafting projects, as for example, those concerned with water supply and locating funding sources.

�

24 October 1998

460

“It is possible to improve

the growth of poor areas.

However, the people might not want it and therefore, they do not prosper and if they do, they will do so passively.

Slow growth is equal to regression.

The whole country is like this.

�

4 December 2001 Dusidalai Hall

461

“T hailand will overcome its

crisis better than many other countries could because our land is still a favorable place to live in. As has been said for many years, its geography is supportive of and suitable to development. However, livelihoods must not be extravagant. They must be economically sound and they must be on the right track.

�

4 December 1997

462

“R

ural development is a crucial pursuit, a difficult type of work that must be carried out based on ability and wisdom, both wit and intelligence, and with honesty and a pure attitude.

�

13 June 1969

463

“I

n providing assistance, it should be based on the main principle that we will help the people so that they can help themselves.

�

30 June 1977

464

“T he places that

I have visited will get better in the coming years.

The local people have good health.

The environment is better.

The economy is better.

These make my exhausting work and the investment worthwhile.

�

465

Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), was granted an audience by His Majesty the King at the official conferment on His Majesty of the TeleFood Medal, presented by the FAO, in honor and recognition of a person who has contributed to or supported food security, based on a resolution made at the World Food Summit. The Summit was hosted by the FAO in Rome, Italy, in November 1996. Leaders and representatives from 186 member countries attended the Summit. Through the FAO Director General, the United Nations initiated the TeleFood Program to create public awareness and acknowledgement of the problem of worldwide hunger and to encourage public participation to solve the problem. The FAO recognized His Majesty the King’s perseverance and His benevolence towards the Thai people, particularly in developing agriculture and building food security to improve the welfare of farmers under His Majesty’s development projects, which are widely praised both inside and outside Thailand. The FAO has requested for Royal permission to graciously present the First TeleFood Medal to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Majesty the King’s Sixth Cycle birthday anniversary on 5 December 1999 and to acknowledge the immense work of His Majesty the King whose ideology concerning food security is in harmony with that of the FAO’s worldwide ideology.

466

“T hat I have received the TeleFood Medal

of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations this time is not an honor exclusively for me but for all of my Thai subjects also. Once again, I would like to express my thanks on behalf of the Thai people and I would also like to emphasize to all of you that the creation of growth and the development of the well-being of all mankind are not the sole responsibility of any one person but are the shared responsibility of all parties and all countries that need to cooperate and support one another wholeheartedly.

�

8 December 1999 The Grand Palace

467

468

469

“W

herever He goes, His Majesty has to get hold of a map. His map is relatively larger than regular size maps that we often see because His Majesty has actually joined many maps together. His Majesty has done a good job of patching the maps together. He has done it very neatly and His work is like the kind of work that nobody else can do or help with.

Prior to any Royal visit, His Majesty prepares a map and studies it thoroughly. He would cut names and titles typed on the maps and save these cut outs, later gluing them together slowly.

His office is a spacious room without a chair.

His Majesty would sit and bend on the floor, carefully cutting map titles and then gluing the cut outs in the right order to make a large new map. His Majesty remembers distinctly which are the maps that He has used.

”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Speech

470

“W

hen making a Royal visit, His Majesty would ask the villagers about the location of the place, what is in the area north of it, what is in the south of it. He would ask many people and cross check among them, referring to the map to check whether the map is correct or not. He would check from where and to where the water flows. If the map is wrong, His Majesty checks with authorities from the Royal Thai Survey Department who are with Him during His Royal visits. He will call them to point out the spots that need to be corrected. If His Majesty travels on a normal route, He would have a map with Him. He regularly uses a map that has a scale of 1:50,000. However, in the case of some locations, His Majesty uses a map that has a scale of 1:25,000. It sometimes happens that a map with a scale of 1:50,000 is more precise. During the Royal visit, His Majesty will refer to the map and sometimes will check the name of a village on the roadside or by a signpost, in order to put the name of the village as well as the signpost on the map. Besides, the vehicle used on the trip would have a kilometer recorder. His Majesty could also refer to it. But the recorder of His Majesty’s vehicle is 10 percent incorrect. This point should be considered during travelling. There are also a compass and a height gauge in the vehicle. These are used to check the correctness of the map. Upon arrival, the map is sought out. Regarding the height, His Majesty is especially cautious about it because His philosophy is that He will work to obtain water for irrigation, the point where the water starts and the point to where it flows should be known.

”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Speech

471

“W

hen His Majesty teaches, He includes instructions concerning folding a map.

When we are in a car, we cannot stretch our arms and legs as much as we want to. To prepare for a trip, I must fold the map correctly, showing the place where we will arrive first. When we arrive at another place, the map should be unfolded in time to the right page. If the map is rather crumpled and tattered because of long use, His Majesty could transfer data from the old map to a new map.

His Majesty does this by Himself as well.

”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Speech

472

“In the early years, His Majesty said that His study method was to learn from mechanics or officials of

the Royal Irrigation Department, who were on His royal trip or whom He had previously met and discussed with on how to make a dam, and those from whom His Majesty learned many techniques. However, based on His numerous observations of all kinds of works inside and outside the country, His Majesty would initiate a royal idea and share it. If the officials who are directly concerned agree, He would let them do it. If they have objections or if what His Majesty has known is not correct, they will inform His Majesty, regardless of the fact that the idea is a Royal order from His Majesty. He does not mind. His Majesty does not think that the Royal order is always right. If the mechanics have their own techniques and what His Majesty has ordered is not right, His Majesty would listen to what should be right. His Majesty always listens and will gradually practice listening until He becomes rather skillful.

”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Speech

473

“T o make a dam requires a

large budget from the country. In selecting the dam’s potential site, consideration should be given to the importance of not creating problems for a large number of villagers.

For example, housing areas should be avoided and the most economical use should be made of the budget. As a result, when a project is submitted, His Majesty will think first if it crosses a waterway, how far would the water flow, how worthwhile and appropriate will the increased crop yields be, and whether it is reasonable to spend a large part the people’s money. Therefore, His Majesty needs to refer to the map.

”

474

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Speech

“W

hat His Majesty has presented is a rough estimate that has not been meticulously calculated. His Majesty uses an approximate figure for the following reasons: to see what benefits His plans will provide and which areas will enjoy the benefits, and, if the goals are attained, to determine the potential increase in the villagers’ yields. In constructing a dam, the considerations include the height of the dam, the construction cost, and the possibility to reduce the cost. In case the project will provide a pond, the system should be connected.

However, this is difficult to construct such system and is time consuming.

Until the villagers are able to benefit from the system, they have a problem.

His Majesty then tries to devise other methods, such as, making small weirs to keep the water and thus solve immediate problems that occur each year.

There is also a provision for both short-term and long-term plans.

”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Speech

475

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Conservation on Natural Resources and Environment

ISBN:

978-974-7086-62-1

Advisors: Kasem Snidvongs Panat Tasneeyanond Petipong Pungbun Na Ayudhya Apiwat Sretarugsa Chirawan Pipitphoka Surachai Sasisuwan Chartree Cheuyprasit Somchai Pienstaporn Suwat Singhapant

Gen. Nipon Parunnitr Gen. Noppadol Wathanotai Sahas Boonyaviwat Khun Ying Kulsab Ketmankij Santhad Rojanasoonthon

Director: Monthip Sriratana Tabucanon

Directing Committee: Adisak Thongkaimook Paisal Kuwalairat Orapin Wongchumpit Samai Chiemchindaratana Virat Khaouppatum Chalermsak Wanichsombat Apichai Chvajarernpun Wichai Lamwilai Nisakorn Kositratna Siripong Hungspreug Somkid Buapeng

598

Kasemsun Chinnavaso Supat Wangwongwatana Akanit Ampawasiri Sophon Dumnui Weerachai Na Nakorn Nukool Vinijvalai Pornthip Puncharoen Pradit Boontantrapiwat Rachanee Emaruchi Boonchob Sughamanuswong Maj. Gen. Napadol Karoonyavanich

Sirin Kawra-ied Malee Hutacharoen Sakol Thinakul Anong Chanomool

Col. Panuwatr Nakwong Col. Suradech Kanchanarat Lt. Col. Pisit Mookpetch

Editor: Nongpa-nga Sukavanich

Assistant Editor: Jaruk Paliphod

Translator: Sittiporn Kajornatiyudh

Language Editor: Teresita M. Padilla

Coordinators: Weerawat Paphussaro Suwanna Tiansuwan Sriamphan Yu-khongkhram Pronthip Sarikabutr Nueatip Ratana Bunpot Amaraphibal Vuttiphan Satitavon Pornpimol Barathorn Paitoon Ngamying Damrongsak Chanwalai Rarai Thiangtham Sompong Barnyen Tasanee Bunyawat Tanawan Songpragob Udom Pankran Haruthai Papussaro Napa Auewprasert Amornrat Boonnak Kiti Chuntrapanon Sitsada Chom-in Natthawan Ploytuptim Sakulrat Pornrungruangkul Arnucha Yotee Sutkanung Deeprasert Piyabootr Suwanmata

Lt. Col. Montri Veatyongkul Lt. Col. Preeda Mamuangbon Capt. Somkiat Theanwattana Capt. Wachirapol Siriyothin Narat Sawongrung Anong Sawanwattanakul Panitnat Phunchan Aroonrat Wongwirat Amporn Yiratikorn Manop Chantara-akapat Chanram Samphanwiwat Manwadee Nutiyu Kunrat Sungyung Ariratana Chumrounpucksa Somchart Soontonnulux Natthakarn Neakaew Anan Pornjaroronj Youpares Boontam SM1 Winai Boonmamee SM1 Sumruaj Mongkumti SM1 Akarapon Im-anong SM1 Wachirapon Jaipeng SM1 Wallop Leeladee SM1 Samran Chamroen SM1 Suriya Prathumrat

599

Tumnong Chusin Lalintip Vanmongkon Amarit Boonwat Rachanee Srisoye Panom Paliphod Sittiporn Satansatit Panom Siwaipham

Sgt. Narong Hanvej Sgt. Wachara Thongpa Sgt. Krisda Iam-ongkit Sgt. Mana Leepasook Yodchai Chansawang Wutipong Naksakul

Proofreaders: Preecha Tanaviwatchai Raweerat Songsamphant Nongnit Saree-ngam

Artist: Getganok Buddhacharern

Photographs: Bureau of the Royal Household Royal Irrigation Department Department of Environmental Quality Promotion

Designed and Published: Integrated Promotion Technology Co., Ltd.

Available from: Department of Environmental Quality Promotion Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 49 Rama VI Soi 30, Rama VI Road, Sam Sen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Telephone (66) 2278 8400-19, (66) 2298 5645 Facsimile (66) 2298 5645

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