Thai labor minister proposes 'sufficiency economy' and 'civil state mechanism' to end poverty

[Briggsy]

The sufficiency economy is paternalistic advice which is very apt for Thailand.

The parsimonious, industrious and politically-aware Thai-Chinese parted the indisciplined, non-planning, indolent indigenous population from most of their land in under two generations and semi-enslaved them in debt to the mill owner, loan shark or finance company or modern-day servitude in factories or on farms. All this was achieved by using the weaknesses of the indigenous people against themselves.

The modern-day aristocracy and elite could enact laws to protect people from debt or labour exploitation but prefer not to as it serves their purpose. So we get, "Live to your means. Do not excessively covet wealth." This is the paternalistic advice. I very much doubt it is so relevant for other countries, particularly ones where loan sharks don't force your daughter into prostitution to pay the parents' debts.

The reason they then spout this advice-cum-pseudo-philosophy at international conferences is because this administration is ultra-royalist and it is important for members of this administration to be publicly seen as so.

[baboon]

The sufficiency economy is paternalistic advice which is very apt for Thailand.

The parsimonious, industrious and politically-aware Thai-Chinese parted the indisciplined, non-planning, indolent indigenous population from most of their land in under two generations and semi-enslaved them in debt to the mill owner, loan shark or finance company or modern-day servitude in factories or on farms. All this was achieved by using the weaknesses of the indigenous people against themselves.

The modern-day aristocracy and elite could enact laws to protect people from debt or labour exploitation but prefer not to as it serves their purpose. So we get, "Live to your means. Do not excessively covet wealth." This is the paternalistic advice. I very much doubt it is so relevant for other countries, particularly ones where loan sharks don't force your daughter into prostitution to pay the parents' debts.

The reason they then spout this advice-cum-pseudo-philosophy at international conferences is because this administration is ultra-royalist and it is important for members of this administration to be publicly seen as so.

"The reason they then spout this advice-cum-pseudo-philosophy at international conferences is because this administration is ultra-royalist and it is important for members of this administration to be publicly seen as so."

Indeed: 'We hang together or we hang separately...'

[In the jungle]

So sufficiency economy and OTOP are pulling in opposite directions yet they peddle both at the same time.

[pbeieio]

"sufficiency economy" = aim low

"surplus economy" = aim higher

[phoenixdoglover]

I would be so much more impressed if the Thai people could transform the "sufficiency" concept into a "sustainability" concept. There are so many more tangible benefits to be gained.

Perhaps in a few years.

[NCFC]

I wonder if the Thai delegation flew first class to the conference, or travelled in cattle class?

Edited June 9, 2016 by NCFC

[NCFC]

Here's what it is.

Sufficiency Economy is a philosophy that stresses the middle path as an overriding principle for appropriate conduct by the populace at all levels. This applies to conduct starting from the level of families to communities and to the nation in terms of development and administration, so as to modernize in line with the forces of globalization. 'Sufficiency' means moderation, reasonableness, and the need for self-immunity to protect from impacts arising from internal and external change. To achieve sufficiency, an application of knowledge with due consideration and prudence is essential. In particular, great care is needed in the utilization of theories and methodologies for planning and implementation in every step. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen the moral fiber of the nation, so that everyone, particularly public officials, academics, and business people at all levels, adhere first and foremost to the principles of honesty and integrity. In addition, a way of life based on patience, perseverance, diligence, wisdom and prudence is indispensable in creating balance and in coping appropriately with critical challenges arising from extensive and rapid socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural changes in the world

Can somebody explain what it means?

Reads like a load of nice positive sounding words randomly bolted together.

Maybe the Thai version is simpler? If it isn't, then no Thai I know will manage to get past the second word.

"Be satisfied with what you've got".

It's just another con trick played on the Thai people. It relies upon Sakdina and superstition, both of which equate pretty well, Sakdina is a specific kind of superstition. Receptiveness to superstition has been brought about by exposure to unrelenting lies and propaganda for generations, accelerated thanks to the USA who wanted a population that would not rebel against the higher-ups who provided land for airbases. Not like the Vietnamese,,, There is plentiful evidence for USA involvement and consistent support.

Keep 'em poor, keep 'em compliant. Have 'em believe that if they're poor it's because they did something bad in the last life, and if you're rich and powerful it's because you're a good person then and now.

How to be a better person? Don't complain if you're poor, give lots of money to the temple to reinforce the control buddhism has over the superstitious and simple-minded. Worship some guy who says he's a God (even though he still has to urinate and defecate, just like regular people - that's not a great con, it's a great mystery - only good people can understand.

The cynicism and venality is breathtaking, it would be a crime anywhere but when combined with a policy to keep the people stupid (IQ around 80 but down to about 60 in some country areas), it becomes literally a crime against humanity.

It's a deliberately-created modern tragedy. Not the only one but a particularly pernicious and nefarious example.

W

A very powerful post, if I may say so.

[kannot]

why dont they give it the proper name "subsistence economy"

[tuanku]

Here's what it is.

Sufficiency Economy is a philosophy that stresses the middle path as an overriding principle for appropriate conduct by the populace at all levels. This applies to conduct starting from the level of families to communities and to the nation in terms of development and administration, so as to modernize in line with the forces of globalization. 'Sufficiency' means moderation, reasonableness, and the need for self-immunity to protect from impacts arising from internal and external change. To achieve sufficiency, an application of knowledge with due consideration and prudence is essential. In particular, great care is needed in the utilization of theories and methodologies for planning and implementation in every step. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen the moral fiber of the nation, so that everyone, particularly public officials, academics, and business people at all levels, adhere first and foremost to the principles of honesty and integrity. In addition, a way of life based on patience, perseverance, diligence, wisdom and prudence is indispensable in creating balance and in coping appropriately with critical challenges arising from extensive and rapid socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural changes in the world

Can somebody explain what it means?

Reads like a load of nice positive sounding words randomly bolted together.

Maybe the Thai version is simpler? If it isn't, then no Thai I know will manage to get past the second word.

Just look at the lifestyles of the top 3% in the country and describe the exact opposite and there you have it - sufficiency economy. The originator started with what he knew and worked backwards.

[mtls2005]

Some forty plus years after introduction of this "philosophy" you'd think that every man, women and child in the Kingdom would both understand the "Sufficiency Economy", and practice it.

However, the populace (Prai) seems to require nearly monthly reminders (from the amart) about the glorious nature of this "philosophy".

So be happy with just enough food to survive, a crappy education and paying rent to your masters. And order me up another couple of Mercedes Benz while your at it; how can I manage with just three.

[Winniedapu]

"He gave a speech at a conference on "the initiative to end poverty," which involves sustainable development by adopting His Majesty the King’s philosophy of sufficiency economy as a guideline and by implementing it with the "civil state mechanism.""

They just don't get it do they?

It's like herding cats. Getting these people to use their brains for something other than ballast is such a hard job. How much did it cost to send this buffoon to Europe, all expenses paid for wife and family and shopping trips etc. Just to entertain a meeting at the direct expense of the credibility of Thais everywhere. How much?

Was it worth it?

I wonder how long it will take for these dullards to realise that the international community understands the sufficiency 'theory' very well and thinks its all a joke, a bit of buffoonery from people for whom grovelling in front of pictures probably provides a little occasional sexual release.

Take it and them seriously they do not. After some decades of flogging this particular dead horse, you'd thing that Thais would have realised how big a joke it really is.

But no... *sigh*. Evidenttly not, the wet dream is still in progress.

W

Edited June 10, 2016 by Winniedapu

[JAG]

"He gave a speech at a conference on "the initiative to end poverty," which involves sustainable development by adopting His Majesty the King’s philosophy of sufficiency economy as a guideline and by implementing it with the "civil state mechanism.""

They just don't get it do they?

It's like herding cats. Getting these people to use their brains for something other than ballast is such a hard job. How much did it cost to send this buffoon to Europe, all expenses paid for wife and family and shopping trips etc. Just to entertain a meeting at the direct expense of the credibility of Thais everywhere. How much?

Was it worth it?

I wonder how long it will take for these dullards to realise that the international community understands the sufficiency 'theory' very well and thinks its all a joke, a bit of buffoonery from people for whom grovelling in front of pictures probably provides a little occasional sexual release.

Take it and them seriously they do not. After some decades of flogging this particular dead horse, you'd thing that Thais would have realised how big a joke it really is.

But no... *sigh*. Evidenttly not, the wet dream is still in progress.

W

It is just that, a dream. They live in it, and cannot or will not realise that the vast majority of the country simply ignore this preaching. They ( the majority) understand, as does the rest of the world, that it is one of the pillars which keeps a very small percentage of the population in control of the nations wealth. Unlike the rest of the world they cannot mock it openly. Don't mistake acquiescence essentially forced through threats as agreement.

This philosophy ( if it is one), along with "Sakdina". the judicial and policing system. the education system and just about every aspect of the way in which the government spends money on its various projects is set up to benefit those at the top. The general population are simply left out of virtually all the reckoning, unless they are considered as a means of providing labour or manpower.

On the rare occasions that they are considered they usually end up being cheated.

They are well aware of this.

These pillars are vulnerable, and once one crumbles the whole construct will fall.

It will happen...

Edited June 10, 2016 by JAG

[piersbeckett]

The sufficiency economy is paternalistic advice which is very apt for Thailand.

The parsimonious, industrious and politically-aware Thai-Chinese parted the indisciplined, non-planning, indolent indigenous population from most of their land in under two generations and semi-enslaved them in debt to the mill owner, loan shark or finance company or modern-day servitude in factories or on farms. All this was achieved by using the weaknesses of the indigenous people against themselves.

The modern-day aristocracy and elite could enact laws to protect people from debt or labour exploitation but prefer not to as it serves their purpose. So we get, "Live to your means. Do not excessively covet wealth." This is the paternalistic advice. I very much doubt it is so relevant for other countries, particularly ones where loan sharks don't force your daughter into prostitution to pay the parents' debts.

The reason they then spout this advice-cum-pseudo-philosophy at international conferences is because this administration is ultra-royalist and it is important for members of this administration to be publicly seen as so.

Sad but true. I once asked my Thai partner why there is no rebellion against the Chinese. She said they've intermarried, speak the language, are from the same region, believe in spirits and are seen more as saviors providing work rather than oppressors.

[DavisH]

How will asking the poor to consume less help them out of poverty....they don't purchasing power to start with...now how about asking the wealthy middle class to give up their benzes, expensive schools for kids, fine restaurants....and see how far one gets with that idea.

[Scotwight]

"He gave a speech at a conference on "the initiative to end poverty," which involves sustainable development by adopting His Majesty the King’s philosophy of sufficiency economy as a guideline and by implementing it with the "civil state mechanism.""

They just don't get it do they?

It's like herding cats. Getting these people to use their brains for something other than ballast is such a hard job. How much did it cost to send this buffoon to Europe, all expenses paid for wife and family and shopping trips etc. Just to entertain a meeting at the direct expense of the credibility of Thais everywhere. How much?

Was it worth it?

I wonder how long it will take for these dullards to realise that the international community understands the sufficiency 'theory' very well and thinks its all a joke, a bit of buffoonery from people for whom grovelling in front of pictures probably provides a little occasional sexual release.

Take it and them seriously they do not. After some decades of flogging this particular dead horse, you'd thing that Thais would have realised how big a joke it really is.

But no... *sigh*. Evidenttly not, the wet dream is still in progress.

W

It is just that, a dream. They live in it, and cannot or will not realise that the vast majority of the country simply ignore this preaching. They ( the majority) understand, as does the rest of the world, that it is one of the pillars which keeps a very small percentage of the population in control of the nations wealth. Unlike the rest of the world they cannot mock it openly. Don't mistake acquiescence essentially forced through threats as agreement.

This philosophy ( if it is one), along with "Sakdina". the judicial and policing system. the education system and just about every aspect of the way in which the government spends money on its various projects is set up to benefit those at the top. The general population are simply left out of virtually all the reckoning, unless they are considered as a means of providing labour or manpower.

On the rare occasions that they are considered they usually end up being cheated.

They are well aware of this.

These pillars are vulnerable, and once one crumbles the whole construct will fall.

It will happen...

I think it did in 1949 in China and 1932 in Thailand.