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'!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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