While reviewing the results of the first seven National Economic and Social Development Plans for the preparation of the Eighth One, Thai technocrats recognized that a good economy, thus far realized, resulted in a society overwhelmed with multiple and serious problems and relying on unsustainable development. That is, adverse changes gradually took place during the course of Thailand’s  socio-economic development since 1961 along the capitalist system’s mentality, so much so that before the turn of the new century it was decided that Thailand should no longer follow that trend. And, due to that, a new paradigm was set for Thai society to ensure that it would no more be harmed by over-consumerism, social disintegration and schism, extensive pollution, and frequent political power abuses. And, in connection with that, the sufficiency economy, royally initiated some thirty years back, was highlighted as the economic model to lead the Thai population out of poverty and socio-economic crises.

How long it will take Thailand back to its roots, nobody knows. Efforts have to be invested to encourage all involved to work out this life pattern in which village communities will give new meanings to their local resources. One of them is community forests like in the case of the Sub-district of Dong Daeng in Chaturaphakphiman District of Roi-et.

During its 20 years of operations, FRY has seen lots of unfavorable changes in its operational areas: Bangkok and Roi-et. New forms of collaboration are seen necessary to finds means to tackle new social issues currently faced by target groups. Food and herbal medicine supplies, if found at the local level, can help alleviate multiple poverty-related issues, be they health, education and livelihoods. The rehabilitation of the Dong Nong Iad Community Forest, since 2005, has been the first priority selected by the people of this sub-district. Thanks to the UNDP-GEF-SGP, the rehabilitation activities has been started and would gradually be completed by the local people. For the sake of this community forest, a very high level of cooperation has been realized amongst the villagers, not only in terms of existing trees specially taken care of and new seedlings planted, but also lands, individually and long encroached, could be returned to the community at no costs, thus overcoming the economic obstructions. After this, the community forest with a land of 267 acres will serve as a case study for many villages which want to learn more about local people’s efforts in creating a new socio-economic paradigm for their community, integrating as the community integral part the poor and the underprivileged while developing itself as it used to be in the recent past. At least a larger food supply will now be available for new generations.

                                                                                                                                        Mr. Sombat Thavorn