SUSTAINABIITY AND THE LAW: THAILAND’S SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY IN PERSPECTIVE

Antonio L RAPPA

Abstract


The intention of this paper is to draw attention to the conceptual and practical instruments presented in the Sufficiency Economy. The idea was first mooted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. He observed that Thailand had a very large population with millions of poor people who face environmental obstacles and economic challenges daily. But his Kingdom also possesses immense natural resources but and suggested the Sufficiency Economy for people to supplement their income and improve their quality of life. This paper examines the philosophy and applications of the Sufficiency Economy and its validity today in terms of its ecological and political dimensions. It questions the basis and motivations of those who seek to criticize and undermine this economic strategy. The Sufficiency Economy provides for a rigorous program of human and ecological sustainability and with the proper application of the law, Thailand will be better able to avert environmental disasters of the future.

Keywords


Ecological Economics; Government Policy; Sustainable Development; Sufficiency Economy

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