Thailand backs royal-led development plan expansion
Thailand approved a fifth-phase expansion of royal-led development projects to 32 provinces through 2032, targeting water management, agriculture and sustainability across the nation.
BANGKOK — 25 April 2026, Thailand has approved a fifth-phase action plan to expand royal initiative-led development projects to 32 provinces nationwide, aiming to strengthen self-reliance and sustainability, officials said.
Krisada Boonrach, chairman of the Royal Initiative Discovery Foundation, said the board endorsed the 2028–2032 plan at its annual meeting on 24 April, focusing on integrating efforts across sectors to improve livelihoods based on the sufficiency economy philosophy.
The foundation will continue its mission to "preserve, build upon and extend" royal initiatives under the guiding principles of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, drawing on the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's development concepts.
From October 2025 to March 2026, projects worth more than 416 million baht were implemented across water resource management, agriculture and environmental sectors.
Water development remains central, with surveys covering 1,911 water sources in 21 provinces and 136 rehabilitation projects in the Mun River basin expected to benefit more than 36,000 rai of farmland.
Agricultural programmes have focused on boosting productivity, including export-grade durian in the southern border provinces, safe vegetable farming in the northeast and the use of smart agriculture technology for crops such as coconuts in Khon Kaen and limes in Nan.
The foundation is also advancing "centenary village" projects in 10 communities across eight provinces as models for sustainable self-sufficiency, alongside initiatives to strengthen household food security.
Under the fifth-phase plan, operations will expand from 22 to 32 provinces, with a target of rehabilitating 150 small-scale water sources annually, totalling 750 over five years.
The strategy includes four pillars: development promotion, the establishment of 50 co-learning centres, proactive public communication and organisational upgrades through digital systems.
The plan also aims to enhance 10 key agricultural products, including organic durian, robusta coffee and high-quality rice, to generate stable income for farmers.
Krisada said the initiative would move beyond pilot areas to broaden its impact nationwide, embedding royal development principles into everyday life.
The five-year plan is expected to require a budget of about 1.57 billion baht, funded through a combination of state allocations, foundation resources and private sector cooperation.
