From 23 to 25 September 2025, a pilot project coordinated by the Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad brought Thai experts to Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to introduce the Sufficiency Economy to local farmers and officials.
Representatives from Thailand’s Department of Community Development, Department of Agriculture and Royal Irrigation Department conveyed the Royal Initiatives of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and explained how the Sufficiency Economy principles guide integrated management of land, water and community resources.
Training sessions addressed New Theory Agriculture and integrated farming, organic agriculture and value addition of agricultural products, along with water management and land use planning, with materials and demonstrations tailored to Haripur district conditions.
Workshop activities prompted community brainstorming to analyse local challenges and to co-design practical, localised solutions, emphasising the idea of development from within as a route to sustainable livelihoods and resilience.
Organisers view the Haripur exercise as a model village pilot that can be adapted across Pakistan, reflecting Thailand’s contribution to international development cooperation and offering a pathway to improved self-sufficiency and stability for rural communities.
Sufficiency Economy ideas were highlighted as practical tools for community empowerment, with local officials and farmers encouraged to apply integrated farming, water management and value addition to strengthen household incomes and long-term resource stewardship.
