Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has stated that the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, bestowed by His Majesty the King, not only addresses the questions of development but also governance.

The Prime Minister made the statement in his opening remarks at the opening ceremony of the Fourth International Buddhist Conference on the occasion of the United Nations Day of Vesak. The ceremony took place on May 27 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.

Drawing spiritual inspiration from the Buddha’s “Middle Path,” he said that the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy provides principles for appropriate conduct based on moderation, reasonableness, self-awareness, and knowledge. Not only has Thailand adopted Sufficiency Economy as a fundamental principle of national development, but all Thai people are also encouraged to study it and adapt it to their daily lives.

The Prime Minister pointed out that, contrary to what some may think, Sufficiency Economy is not an economic theory; it is indeed applicable to all levels and all spheres of activity. With its emphasis on a just balance, it does involve special concerns for sustainable development through the promotion of self-reliance and appropriate management of resources.

He said that, as individuals, communities, businesses, and a nation in search of an appropriate development strategy embrace this Middle Path, it is a matter of finding the right balance at each level to build a firm foundation to face the challenges of the modern world. Through promoting moral values, the Sufficiency Economy approach also aims to strengthen society’s moral fiber. And through such a holistic approach to human development, one inspired by Buddhist principles, Thailand believes that it will attain the goal of a more just, more equitable, and more sustainable society.

Prime Minister Surayud told the gathering of Buddhist leaders and scholars that, in January this year, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched the Thailand Human Development Report 2007, which had the theme of “Sufficiency Economy and Human Development.” This initiative pays tribute both to the efforts of His Majesty the King and the spiritual underpinnings of Sufficiency Economy. Most importantly, it has served to spread the philosophy’s message, particularly that of good governance and sustainable development, to the wider international audience it deserves.

Since the Middle Path continues to inspire people toward the new paradigms of sustainable development and building peaceful and just societies, the Prime Minister called on every one to help ensure the ongoing contribution of Buddhism to uplifting the spirit of humanity.

news research  by ven.phramasrithont Director Information Technology
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