APPLICATION OF THE ROYAL INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE "WATER FOR LIFE" LOCAL SAGE NETWORK CENTER, WATABAEK SUBDISTRICT, THEPSATHIT DISTRICT, CHAIYAPHUM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) study the thinking, practices, and values in the application of the King’s Philosophy by Mr. Nikom Kongphan; 2) study the success of applying the King’s Philosophy toward sustainable economic self-reliance by Mr. Nikom Kongphan; and 3) study the development and transfer of knowledge on the King’s Philosophy to farmers in Watabaek Community. This study employed qualitative research. The 37 key informants were purposively selected and consisted of Mr. Nikom Kongphan, family members, farmers, government officials, and community leaders. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and workshop activities, and were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1) the application of the King’s Philosophy by Mr. Nikom Kongphan consisted of four major learning bases: water management and pond excavation, rice farming, the cultivation of home-grown vegetables, fruit trees, and herbs, and the management of housing, farm buildings, fertilizer production, and animal raising. Each learning base was linked to three dimensions: thinking, practices, and values; 2) the success of economic self-reliance resulted from reducing expenses and increasing income through food production for household consumption, the use of production inputs available within the area, organic farming, and the sale of surplus produce; and 3) the transfer of knowledge to farmers was carried out through lectures, demonstrations, study visits, and hands-on practice, enabling farmers to apply the knowledge to water management, rice farming, crop cultivation, fertilizer production, mushroom cultivation, and animal raising according to the suitability of each household. These practices helped provide food, reduce expenses, and increase opportunities to generate income, thereby serving as a foundation for economic self-reliance and sustainable community development.