Some major awards presented to His Majesty include: Special Meda
The royal couple travelled to every part of the country, visiting villagers and learning of their living conditions, problems and needs at first hand.
His Majesty would then begin the process of devising schemes and projects to resolve their troubles and improve their condition. Scenes of His Majesty sitting on the ground or standing shoulder to shoulder with his subjects, engaged in conversation, became a familiar sight that touched all Thai people.
His Majesty first studies the available data and talks to the people involved. He then consults with officials and academics before passing the initiative on to the government. All royal development projects have started in this way.
His Majesty’s development projects have brought substantial benefits and innovation not only to his subjects but to the whole world. Some of the most important are as follows:
Royal Rain Project
His Majesty is often associated with life-giving rain because of his pioneering work in cloud seeding techniques. Since 1971, the methods he developed have been used to bring drought relief to farmers and to increase water reservoirs, earning international patents and interest from foreign countries.
Pa Sak Jolasid Dam Project
To help the farmers of Thailand’s central plains to exploit fully the waters of the Pa Sak River, His Majesty initiated a development project that created a new reservoir for water conservation and controlled irrigation. The dam has also helped with flood prevention on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Royal Projects
In 1969, the King introduced a comprehensive program to assist northern hill tribe people engaged in unsustainable farming practices. By training the hill tribe communities in the production of various handicrafts, these programs have raised their income and their prospects, and at the same time have benefited the environment.
• New Theory on Managing Agricultural Land
Combining concepts of water management with local control, His Majesty developed a strategy that promotes individual household reservoirs over large communal ones, maximizing versatility while minimizing costs. Overall agricultural production is boosted without the need for public funds.
• Use of Vetiver to Prevent Soil Erosion
The Chaipattana Aerator
developed a device that keeps water oxygenated and healthy.
His Majesty suggested the construction of a new bridge across the Chao Phraya River to alleviate congestion in Phra Nakhon and Dusit districts. Named after his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII, the graceful bridge has become a city icon.
Pak Phanang Project
To stem the deterioration of the naturally fertile Pak Phanang River basin due to unmanaged population growth, His Majesty initiated co-operation between government agencies to use more effective agricultural resources, maximize economic gain, and reduce harmful environmental practices.
Renewable Energy
Long before the need for renewable biofuels was widely apparent, His Majesty was actively researching the resource potential of locally-made palm oil. The resulting biodiesel has become a standard additive in the nation’s fuel, and its local sourcing is an inspiration for ongoing research.
Reasonableness means acting with flexibility and without excess; shunning overindulgence and luxury but taking care to provide enough to guarantee a good lifestyle. Self-immunity means that all people have sufficient protection from internal and external factors.
the Sufficiency Economy principle is applicable only to the rural and agriculture sectors. In fact it is a philosophy that can be applied to all aspects of life, from managing household budgets to the financial affairs of large corporations
a special prize given to leaders who have exemplified dedication to human development and environmental sustainability. The award was presented to His Majesty by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Mr Annan told the King: “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 in 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 benefitted millions of people across Thailand. They promote 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 moderation, responsible consumption and resilience to external shock – is of great relevance worldwide during these times of rapid globalization. It reinforces the