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Long Live the King
HIS Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had reigned for 62 years and is the longest reigning monarch in the world. And in that time His Majesty had initiated more than 3,000 development projects throughout the country, most of them aimed at improving the living conditions of his subjects, especially those in the remote rural areas.
All these development projects have originated from the frequent and extensive trips made by the King and other members of the Royal Family, to all regions of the Kingdom, using one of the four provincial royal residences as the starting point. They are located in Chiang Mai in the North, Sakon Nakhon in the Northeast, Hua Hin in the Mid-South, and Narathiwat in the Far South.
Before the King visits a particular area, he will study the information from documents and maps in order to learn in detail about the conditions of the area. After arriving at the site, he will collect more information on pertinent facts and the latest data by interviewing the local people, conducting an on the spot survey and discussing with relevant officials.
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The King has thus become not only the most travelled monarch in Thai history (and perhaps the monarch who has made the most working trips among rulers of the world today) but also the best informed about the whole spectrum of rural problems in Thailand.
The Royal Development Projects cover a wide range of subjects from the introduction of new crops to water conservation, from swamp drainage to the preservation of forests, and their aim has been sustainable development, serving not only immediate needs but also those of future generations.
In order to facilitate the implementation of the Royal Development Projects, His Majesty initiated the establishment of six Royal Development Study Centres, in various regions of the country to serve as the place for conducting study, research and experimentation in search of development guidelines and methods suitable to the different conditions of each area and the occupations of the local people. The results of such study, research and experimentation will be disseminated to the local people. The Centres are also intended to serve as “living natural museums” where interested people can come to observe and gain knowledge from the real thing.
The six Centres are located in Chiang Mai in the North, Chachoengsao, Phetchaburi and Chanthaburi in the Central Plain, Sakon Nakhon in the Northeast and Narathiwat in the South.
His Majesty has diligently upheld the traditional Thai precepts of virtuous kingship by assisting his subjects to alleviate their distress and increase their happiness. On the occasion of His Majesty's birthday on December 5, we join Thais nationwide in wishing the King a happy birthday and Long Live the King. |
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