During the last world economic recession, the export oriented economic sector was much affected. His Majesty the King has since advocate the country to follow a more resilient economic model of 'self-sufficiency'.
This message come to light again while I was on way to Keang Krachang National Park recently, came across this "Sufficiency Economy Learning Center". I soon discovered this is also a rehabilitation & reform center of drug offenders.
Open to public, this showcases various activity that can be promoted in rural communities.
Took me a while to realize this key shaped 'welcome' sign signifies the unlocking of knowledge within - how meaningful!
The entrance area has a number of mud huts, this is a barber shop service provided by inmates.
The other side is a coffee shop manned by inmates too.
Wall photos of the King & Queen in their younger active days.
Flower-shaped mud cup holders to place your coffee.
This is a meeting room
Another building in progress. Our guide - a reformed drug peddler still have six months remaining to serve before discharge.
Central to this theme is the use mud bricks, made of mud & grain husk mixture. Most impressive is their creative & artistic expressions.
Animal husbandry are pigs that generate cash income and its feces are fed to sealed tank to produce methane gas for cooking in the kitchen.
Mother pigs & piglets - she is huge!
Goats that provides milk too.
This tunnel like bamboo structure supports various creeping vegetables. One that I would duplicated in my farm.
There are numerous economic models here. I was more into a learning mood than taking photos. This place warrants a second visit and I shall feature them in future.
Finally this is the inmates quarters - another mud hut of course!
Beds for 20 here - far end is an open toilet shared by all.
This is truly an eye opener. What an excellent approach to combine drug offenders reform with 'self sufficiency economy'!
