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People of Thailand have different ways of expressing gratitude for His Majesty the King's endless benevolence. A majority of Thais have great faith in the Royal initiatives and are determined to assist, as well as to relieve His Majesty of some of his arduous tasks in uplifting the quality of life of the people. For that reason, plus a feeling of indebtedness to the country, these people willingly donate their inherited lands to His Majesty, the Developer King, to use as he deems appropriate. Each developed section then serves as a model for the people to follow in their efforts to earn a better living and lead a sustainable life.
Since the first piece was presented in 1989, today there are altogether 54 pieces of land totaling approximately 5,600 rai (2,240 acres) donated for use by the Chaipattana Foundation. This includes a piece of land which His Majesty graciously conferred to be under the supervision of the Chaipattana Foundation for setting up the Royally-initiated Baan Rai Horticultural Services Center in Chiang Mai Province.
In addition, the Chaipattana Foundation purchased 22 pieces of land totaling 1,100 rai (440 acres). The first piece of land purchased using His Majesty's personal funds together with a sum from people's donations, is the site of the Royally-initiated Wat Mongkol Chaipattana Area Development Project at Chalerm Phrakiet District, Saraburi Province, which His Majesty entrusted the Chaipattana Foundation to undertake and oversee its implementation.
These lands owned by the Chaipattana Foundation are used for carrying out different types of development projects, depending on factors such as the local topographical and environmental conditions, conformity with the occupation of the people in that particular area, and recognition of the original land owner's intention. Overriding everything else is that the development results must truly benefit the people.
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His
Majesty visiting the Khao Cha-ngum Project on 15 July 1996.
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Solutions to the Soil Problems
Good soil is a very necessary resource for the agricultural occupation.If the soil is severely deteriorated and undernourished, fruitful cultivation is not possible. Commonly found soil problems are acidity and salinity, which require different solutions.
"... Development of land means to improve the soil; not to merely observe the conditions of the soil, but to create improvement, which can be done. Some countries are made up of rocks but they can still develop into gardens ..."
(Royal Speech granted on 7 January 1980)
His Majesty the King graciously granted initiatives for concerned agencies to conduct studies and experiments in search of different methods of solving the soil problems. The results showed that each piece of the Chaipattana Foundation's donated lands called for different solutions.
At the Royally-initiated Khao Cha-ngum Deteriorated Area Development Project, the soil was severely deteriorated due to misuse of the land, to the extent that it was no longer arable. Owing to the development and rehabilitation efforts, the landscape of laterite soil and felled trees was replaced by a picturesque view of growing trees and an abundant dipterocarp forest, spreading moisture over the area. The efforts here prompted His Majesty's initiatives of "Do not abuse the forest", "Do not abuse nature" and the theory of "Reforestation without planting".
Soil acidity damages and impedes cultivation. An area of 130 rai (52 acres) at Baan Prik Subdistrict, Baan Na District, Nakhon Nayok Province, where the soil was so highly acidic that rice could not be cultivated, was another obstacle to overcome. His Majesty graciously provided solutions to improve the soil so that the land became fertile enough for cultivation. This led to the establishment of the Royally-initiated Study and Experimentation to Solve Acid Soil Problems Project, the future successful results of which can serve as a model for the farmers to apply on their land.
Soil salinity is another problem which needs to be solved very quickly. The Royally-initiated Study and Experimentation to Solve Saline Soil Problems Project was then set up on an area of 24 rai (9.6 acres) at Ta Jan Subdistrict, Kong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. In Chai Nat Province in the Central Region, the land is made up of plains that are suitable for rice farming. Therefore, a demonstration plot on soil improvement for rice farming was set up over an area of 30 rai (12 acres) at Den Yai Subdistrict, Han Ka District, to show the farmers methods for improving the soil in order to increase the yields from rice farming.
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Farmers'
housing under the "Baan Tiew New Theory Project","Baan
Phue District, Udon Thani Province. The farmers no longer have to nigrate
to work in the city.
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The
water detention and treatment pond at the project to solve acid soil
problems at Baan Na District, Nakorn Nayok Province.
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To be specific, water from Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (large reservoir) fills Huai Hin Khow Reservoir (small reservoir) located in the project area, and is then further transferred into the farmers' ponds, ensuring an adequate supply of water for agriculture during the dry periods.
At the same time, another project named Development of Baan Dan Samakkee Rain-fed Agricultural Area and Construction of Ponds Under the New Theory Project was set up to study and experiment with the New Theory concept on an area of 13 rai (5.2 acres) at Kum Kao Subdistrict, Khao Wong District, Kalasin Province. The project emphasizes land management and construction of water detention ponds to allow farmers access to an adequate supply of water. Farmers here are impoverished and struggle very hard to grow rice, while gaining only low yields. This is evident in His Majesty's Royal Speech "... Rice does have ears but inside, no seeds or just two to three seeds are found... They said it is because of no rain... Transplantation is impossible because of no water; so they transplant in the sand by making a hole..." The harsh condition of the area led His Majesty to call the road leading into the village a "disco track" because it is made up of potholes making communications difficult for the villagers.
After a while, when the people witnessed the successful results from the first stage of the implementation of the New Theory coupled with concern over the adverse economic situation, they willingly donated additional pieces of land to the land to the Chaipattana Foundation to set up other New Theory demonstration plots. To fulfil their good intentions, the Foundation proceeded to set up demonstration plots at several locations, with satisfactory results.
These included the Pak Tong Chai or Baan Chatra Mongkol New Theory Demonstration Plots at Pak Tong Chai Nuer Subdistrict, Pak Tong Chai District in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and Baan Tiew New Theory Demonstration Plot at Muang Phan Subdistrict, Baan Phue District, Udon Thani Province. These projects serve as agricultural models for the farmers in the Northeastern Region to follow, helping to increase their earnings as well as provide all year round employment. No longer do these people have to migrate to the city looking for jobs during the dry periods.
Pak Tor New Theory Demonstration Plot located at Wan Dao Subdistrict, Pak Tor District, Ratchaburi Province, created widespread benefits for the local people and other areas. The original landowner was so overwhelmed by the success; he presented the Chaipattana Foundation with another piece of land on which to demonstrate the New Theory farming practice.
Agricultural Development
His Majesty truly understands and recognizes the importance of the agricultural sector to the people as well as to the country. For this reason, he authorized the use of many areas of the Chaipattana Foundation's land for developing into demonstration plots to illustrate different types of agricultural practice, depending upon the local area's characteristics and occupations of the people. These plots are to serve as models for farmers and the interested public to learn from, and then apply the knowledge for their own benefit. Examples of such projects are as follow:
Area Development Projects According to the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn were established to develop areas according to their actual conditions. It is possible to grow rice in Nakhon Nayok Province but the yields would be low. However, rice is the staple food of Thailand; therefore a piece of land at Baan Chuad Bua of Don Yor Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Nayok Province was used for demonstrating rice farming, rice propagation, and production of varieties of rice seed, including the Royal rice seeds, for distribution among farmers; also orchard farming. Another piece of land at Baan Bang Khom, Dong Lakorn Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Nayok Province, was developed into a plot for production of varieties of rice seed and other crops after the rice harvest. It is ready to provide knowledge as well as services to the farmers.
At Baan Phra Subdistrict, Muang District, Prachin Buri Province, a project named the Royally-initiated Baan Hua Khao Area Development Project was set up. It included a sanitary station, a herbal plants demonstration plot, a plant market, and community stores to sell products to the people living both within and outside the community.
An Agricultural Services Center was set up on an area of 246 rai (98.4 acres) at Lum Look Ka District, Pathum Thani Province, to provide agricultural knowledge to farmers according to the practice of sustainable agriculture. The project also allowed the 8 families who rent the land for rice farming to stay on and make a living from carrying out the New Theory practice. These families serve as examples for other farmers to follow. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn granted an initiative to develop a piece of land of over 24 rai (9.6 acres) at Bueng Cham-or Subdistrict, Nong Suer District, Pathum Thani Province, into an integrated farming demonstration plot which emphasizes the original practice of rice farming and orange growing. At the same time, cultivation of other crops is also undertaken to illustrate a diverse use of the land. More importantly, farmers are invited to participate in the project. A similar demonstration plot of integrated farming is being carried out on 41 rai (16.4 acres) of land at Sook Duen Ha Subdistrict, Nern Kham District, Chai Nat Province. This area functions as a demonstration center on integrated farming practices where farmers can obtain information.
The Late Princess Mother's Garden at Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province, which is a part of the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center, is operated in line with the Royal initiative by emphasizing simple methods of agricultural practices for farmers to apply and to further develop on their own according to the local conditions, stressing the approach of sustainable agriculture. The Royally-initiated Field and Horticultural Crops Demonstration Center Project at Tha Raeng Subdistrict, Baan Laem District, Phetchaburi Province, was set up on an area of 39 rai (15.6 acres), 26 rai (10.4 acres) of which is the site for a large water detention pond with the remaining land for a field and horticultural crops demonstration center. The pond detains the overflow of water from the Phetchaburi River for use in off- season rice farming and for the farmers' use during the dry periods. In Nakhon Nayok Province, the Royally-initiated Floral Garden Project, where local floral varieties are gathered serves as a nature study center as well as a place to practice Dharma, was established on 11 rai (4.4 acres) of land at Sri Nava Subdistrict, Muang District. In the near future, another piece of land at Baan Koh Ka, Tha Ruer Subdistrict, Pak Plee District, will be developed into a natural habitat and nursery for fish fingerlings which suit and conform to the local people's way of living as well as to conditions of the area.
Management of Flood Problems
The massive flooding in 1995 caused Bangkok and its peripheral areas to remain inundated for a long time, causing widespread property damage. This impact struck not only the economy and society of Bangkok, it also caused a domino effect throughout the country. His Majesty the King granted an initiative to prevent and solve the problem of flooding, and presented some of the Chaipattana Foundation's land to be used in this effort. The land at Klong Hok Subdistrict, Klong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, then became the site of the Rama IX Water Detention Pond Project. This project featured the construction of a large-sized pond on an area of over 2,800 rai (1,120 acres) to detain runoff from the upper plains. This not only prevents Bangkok and its peripheral areas from becoming inundated, it also provides the people in that area with a water source for consumption and growing crops during the dry season.
The Historical Park
A piece of land at Somdej Chao Phraya Subdistrict, Klong Sarn District, Bangkok, covering over 4 rai (1.6 acres) was donated to His Majesty the King. His Majesty then commissioned it to be restored and conserved since it is the place where the Late Princess Mother lived in her childhood. The garden, called The Park to Honor The Late Princess Mother, highlights her biography and the numerous Royal duties undertaken. The Garden also serves as a study center showing the relations and harmony among the Thai, Chinese, Laotian, and Muslim communities, all under the aegis of the Thai Monarch. Today the Garden is no longer known only as a historical garden to honor the Late Princess Mother. It also serves as a public park for the community around Klong Sarn to meet together and participate in activities, thus creating strong unity despite the dynamic social changes.
Rock-sand wall engraved with the Royal duties and His Majesty's intention for the park.
The Dharma Ground
A piece of land at Huai Kwang District in Bangkok donated by a layman is now the site of the Rama 9 Golden Jubilee Temple. It reflects His Majesty the King's ideal temple serving as a model for the construction of small-sized temples emphasizing economy, simplicity, and a temple's function as a place for religious practices. The temple is the center of people's love and faith where both social and moral knowledge are provided for youth and people in the community to purify their consciences. His Majesty's approach focuses on joint activities by pooling the three pillars: baan (home), wat (temple), and rongrien or ratchakarn (school or government agencies), to work together for the public benefits. This integrated effort has long been the highlight of Thai society, now modified to fit the present time. It encourages the people to become interdependent, and care for and help one another in every possible way. This ultimately leads to sustainable development.
Plans for Land Development in the Future
The Chaipattana Foundation still owns many pieces of land. It is presently under consideration among concerned agencies whether to make use of them as model projects or demonstration centers of various fields of knowledge like the predecessors which have proven successful. These areas are as follow: The land at Hua Hin Subdistrict, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, was commissioned by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to be the site of the Handicraft and Industrial Training and Occupational Promotion Center. The Center promotes the use of local materials as well as develops and adapts unique skills of a handyman to make them suitable for the local people and others living nearby. Currently, a piece of land covering 13 rai (5.2 acres) at Baan Pak Nam Prasae, Klong Poon Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, is being developed into the site of the Advanced Orchard Development Project to serve as a model for the farmers in the Eastern Region to obtain and apply the knowledge on their own land.
The establishment of the Royally-initiated Community Forest Development at Tok Phrom Subdistrict (Baan Ang Ed) Project is underway at Tok Phrom Subdistrict , Khalung District, Chanthaburi Province. The objective is to develop a community forest so that the local people will have a chance to participate in the conservation and maintenance of the forest, thus enabling harmonious co-existence between man and forest. The land at Sri Phirom Subdistrict, Phrompiram District, Phitsanulok Province covering about 849 rai (339.6 acres) is under consideration of setting up as an integrated farming demonstration center which is suitable and conforms to the ways of living of the local people and the nearby communities. Here a cooperative will be formed to strengthen the community which has been renting the land to live on and make a living for many years.
Glory of the Land of Faith
The development of the Chaipattana lands has proceeded according to the Royal guidelines which emphasized the factors of economy, simplicity, and harmony with the environment as well as the original ways of living of the people. This led the development efforts to become effective and produce direct benefits to the people, thus securing their occupations and increasing their happiness in a sustainable manner. The Chaipattana land is not just a piece of land. It is a land of strong bonds and compassion between the Developer King and his devoted subjects --- the subjects who have the utmost faith in the development initiatives of their Royal leader and sincere gratitude for the sacrifices their Royal Father has made in undertaking innumerable arduous tasks throughout the reign, all for the betterment of the Thai people and the sustainability of the country's development. This is a true victory of development and the glory of the land.
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Center
of love and faith of the people at Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple.
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