Chapter 6
Self-Reliance and Sustainability
from a Thai Perspective
Abstract This chapter discusses self-reliance and sustainability related to the
Multiplicity Paradigm. The highlight of this chapter is the author’s experience while
attending two courses at Punpun organic farm in Phrao District, Chiang Mai,
Thailand. Thefirst course is a self-reliant course during which the author learned
how to be self-reliant and self-sustained. The second course focused on organic
vegan/vegetarian food making and appreciation. How all of these are related to the
sustainable development and the multiplicity paradigm will be discussed in detail.
6.1 Introduction.........................................
Sustainable development has become a hot topic in Thailand. Networking of the locals
who run organic paddyfields, establishing green hubs and learning centers, and
producing herbal and organic products popular among Thai consumers are part of the
sufficient economy scheme, introduced by King Bhumibol of Thailand. His Majesty
introduced this paradigm in 1997 (Mongsawad 2010 : 127). However, in those days,
not many people paid attention to his suggestions. After Thais suffered from economic
downturns, environment degradation, climate change due to global warming, and
negative consequences of agro-industrialization, such as genetically modified prod-
ucts, contaminated foods, problems with seed conservation, and deforestation, Thais
have started to appreciate a slower and healthier life. Anti-globalization is an ongoing
process in Thailand. Therefore, this author, as a local Thai, is very proud to present the
local perspective on development, sustainability, and self-reliance.
Let us start with the idea why we have to counter the stream of globalization.
Can globalization be good for Thais at all? That leads us to ourfirst topic.
6.2 Globalization and Sustainable Development.................
Globalization highlights the interconnectedness across boundaries, especially the
monetary flows through free trades and loans from developed to developing
countries. Unfortunately, theflow and networks that globalization characterizes do
©Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
P. Malikhao,Culture and Communication in Thailand, Communication,
Culture and Change in Asia 3, DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4125-9_6
89