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Third, the Hilltribes of northern Thailand are t radi–
tional cultivators of the notorious opium poppy.
Because of these three areas of concern, T hai inter–
vention in the traditional patterns of life of the Hill–
tribes became essential. But
how
to intervene was the
problem.
It is at this point that King Bhumibol demonstrated
bis grasp of the situation and bis concern for the
welfare of bis mountain subjects. He realized that it
would be disastrous to forcibly suppress the growing of
opium, as it was the Hilltribes' main source of income.
Also, demanding a halt to their traditional slash and
burn agriculture would disrupt their way of life and
make them prey for potential enemies of Thailand.
His Majesty used bis influence to institute a well–
planned project of inter–
vention based on one vital
key- EDUCATTON. He ini–
tiated a number of proj–
ects designed to educate
the Hilltribes in the culti–
vation of alternative cash
crops. He also encouraged
them to practice a more
settled form of agricul–
ture that would preserve
the mountain forests from
the effects of slash and
burn. Members of the
Royal Family became
familiar figures in the
mountain valleys as they
traveled, often on foot,
encouraging the people to
adopt the new programs.
These programs have
proved successful. Entire
villages now grow
peaches, beans, strawber–
ries, coffee and upland
rice crops i nstead of
opium. These crops br ing
in better profit than did
opium, and many Hill–
tribe villages are now too
busy growing cash crops
to bother with the risky opium trade.
This is not the end of the story. Concerned about
the future generations of his mountain subjects, King
Bhumibol initiated a further project to improve the
educational standards among these mostly illiterate
tribes, to prepare them for increased contact with the
lowland Thais.
Volunteer teachers and specially trained Border
Patrol Police have been sent into the hills to teach the
equivalent of the Thai "three Rs" in mobile schools.
Thailand's Hilltribes have appreciated this project
most of all, as they highly value education, especially
for their children.
Today the Hilltribes of northern Thailand recognize
H is Majesty King Bhumibol as their friend and pro–
tector. He has proveo to them that he is genuinely
July
1
August 1983
concerned for their welfare. The King understands
that the way of giving, sharing, helping, encouraging
and educating may not be the quickest way to elimi–
nate a problem. But it is the best way-and indeed the
only
way to a lasting solution where everyone bene–
fits.
King Bhumibol has shown the world that long-range
practica! solutions that take into consideration the
well-being of everyone can be made to succeed.
Giving
to his mountain subjects has
worked-taking
from
them will not.
Whether it is working with the Hilltribes, visiting
refugee camps or pioneering sorne new irrigation or self–
help project, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit daily
prove themselves to be more than just figurehead mon–
archs. This dedicated
Royal couple show that
they think and plan con–
stantly for the needs of
their country. No village is
too remote, no person too
insignificant not to war–
rant the Royal Family's
concern. Even the hapless
refugees from Laos, Cam–
bodia and Vietnam have
received their Majesties'
care and attention. The
Royal couple have visited
many of the camps person–
ally, bringing encourage–
ment and practica! aid.
(The King has been seri–
ously ill from a blood dis–
order that he may have
contracted while visiting
refugees in a border
region.)
The King and Queen's
three children follow
their parents' example of
sacrifice and hard work.
When King Bhumibol
carne to the throne, he
made a promise: "We will
reign with righteousness,
for the benefit and happiness of the Thai people." He
and his queen have kept their promise.
In a world where, almost daily, governments are
overthrown, leaders assassinated and princes and
kings sent into exile, the Thai Royal Family is a
remarkable example of stability. They show that it
isn't necessary for a head of state to hang on to
power by fear or oppression . In the long run, it is
!ove, concern, hard work and a genuine attitude of
service that endears a ruler to his people. Three
thousand years ago, wise King Solomon summarized
this principie in a proverb: " I t is an abomination for
kings to commit wickedness,
for the throne is estab–
lished by righteousness."
Thailand-the other land of the free- is indeed fortu–
nate to have such a dedicated Royal Family.
o
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