COMMENTARY
'Por piang' is all about handling one's greed
SANITSUDA EKACHAI
Does His Majesty the King's message on sufficiency have any merit? Not at all, agreed a group of academics, both Thai and Western, who spoke on the sufficiency economy panel during the recent international Thai Studies conference last week.
The King's take on sufficiency economy is a nationalist, anti-globalisation response to the 1997 economic crisis, a futile economic theory because Thailand is already too deep in the world economy, a propaganda tool for the coup-makers to whitewash themselves, and a poor consolation for the poor.
In short, it is useless.
And the Thais' total lack of criticism of this royal idea only shows their gullibility and the power of the state's brain-washing machine.
Indeed, we need to hear more of these criticisms. Not because they are spot on. But because Thai society desperately needs to be open to different views, particularly disconcerting ones, in order to develop political tolerance and maturity. Otherwise, our democratic route will remain a long-winding one.
The critics are right in many respects. The por piang message has been reduced to an empty mantra when state destruction of natural resources goes on unabated. But would it be going too far to equate moral advice with an economic model? Is it too easy to reduce the locals' positive reaction to gullibility?
Pat Apaimool, a farmer in tambon Mae Ta of Chiang Mai, has some answers. Twenty years ago, he was the first person in Mae Ta to stop mono cash crop farming and start mixed, organic farming to ensure food security, heal the hardened soil and to regain good health first and foremost, before selling any surplus. Now, Mae Ta has followed his path, which has also paved the way for grassroots democracy, as the young generation began entering local politics to protect community environment and support ecological farming. Let's hear what Pat has to say:
"People call it por piang now, but back then we called it por yoo por kin [having enough to live and eat]. It is the same thing. It's of the same spirit of moderation.
"The whole thing is about knowing ourselves, not exceeding our capacity and not letting greed take over. It's not a theory. It's a worldview. A way of life. A moral choice rooted in Buddhist teaching.
"For me, the message on moderation is aimed at awakening society's moral conscience. It's for everybody, especially the rich. Society cannot be at peace if it benefits only the rich few.
"At first I was very glad to hear the royal message, thinking that it would help the rethink on chemical farming and consumerism to gain speed.
"But the officials and the business people - despite their yellow shirts - just keep on mouthing por piang without making it a reality because it is against their self interests.
"Despite the odds, many communities have opted for moderation. So, instead of saying that por piang doesn't work, it is more useful to discuss what makes it possible and what does not. And what it takes to help make it more easily possible.
"For me, por piang is possible when we rethink our old ways and cut down our greed, when Nature is in good health and when we are willing to share what we have with others. If we believe this is the kind of society we want, we won't dismiss it but we will identify the obstacles and do whatever we can to make it happen. When I said no to the old ways by giving up chemical farming and living a more simple life, people mocked me. But my decision paid off. Now, I'm not rich but I have my freedom and a life of dignity back.
"No matter what you call it, por piang or whatever, we need to to keep greed in check and not exceed our capacity. Don't forget, the world's days are numbered if we don't change our ways.
"For me, I'll continue on this path, simply because it works."
Sanitsuda Ekachai is Assistant Editor (Outlook), Bangkok Post.
Email: sanitsudae@bangkokpost.co.th
Source : Bangkokpost,Thursday January 17, 2008
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