FROM NATURAL FARMING TO A REGENERATIVE AND WELL-BEING ECONOMY, FROM 08-16/2025 IN THAILAND

FROM NATURAL AGRICULTURE TO A REGENERATIVE AND WELL-BEING ECONOMY, FROM 08-16/2025 IN THAILAND

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/4jDk1GkpZ9LMAyoN7

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The current economic development model, based on the belief in infinite GDP growth, has caused tremendous crises for human society – including social, economic, and especially environmental crises. In the search for solutions to these crises and to ensure the livelihoods of the people and future generations, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) of Thailand and his colleagues developed an alternative model called the "Sufficiency Economy Philosophy" (SEP).

Land and water are two precious natural resources, the foundation for a happy, sufficient, and meaningful life. However, one of the current global environmental problems is increasing land degradation and desertification, and the loss of biodiversity due to the impacts of chemical-based agriculture – promoted since the Green Revolution. This has also led to serious pollution and scarcity of groundwater, affecting clean water for domestic use and other economic activities.

Through years of experience with clear results, the Thai Natural Agriculture Network has shown the world that SEP is not only a revolutionary theoretical framework for humanity but also has practical significance, offering applicable solutions to build a sustainable and just society. SEP emphasizes self-reliance, resilience, and mindful production and consumption as a method to achieve a happy life.

To contribute to a vision of a sustainable world, and to share valuable knowledge and lessons on land and water management and land regeneration from communities that have been regenerating their water and land, The Soil Project and Vcil Community are collaborating with Mab Ueang Agri Nature Foundation and the SEP Academy to organize an international training program on the "Sufficiency Economy Philosophy" with the theme "From Natural Agriculture to A Regenerative and Well-being Economy," taking place from December 9 - 16, 2025, in Thailand.

The program is divided into two parts: one at the Mab Ueang center in Chon Buri province (from December 8 - 11) and a field trip in Nan province in northern Thailand (from December 11 - 16). Additionally, participants can arrive before the program begins to attend the World Soil Day celebration – organized to raise awareness of the importance of soil quality and to promote sustainable management of soil resources.

Part 1: During these days, participants will learn about the "Sufficiency Economy Philosophy" and its implementation methods. We will also learn how to manage water and design land plots for water self-sufficiency and to cultivate fertile land. Additionally, we will cover the steps to achieve food self-sufficiency and prepare daily healthcare products. We will not only learn about technical issues but also analyze how Mab Ueang has built a strong mutual support network to create changes at the community level.

Notably, the program will feature Dr. Wiwat Salyakamthorn (Ajarn Yak), former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand, former secretary to King Rama IX of Thailand, and current president of the Agri-Nature Foundation which he founded, as well as the president of the World Soil Association and the Institute of Sufficiency Economy.

Part 2: Field trip: A visit to a practical SEP model in Nan province, northern Thailand (This program is only for Alumni or those registered for Part 1).

By combining knowledge and practical experience related to sustainability, the program hopes to provide learners with valuable tools to become agents of sustainable change in their local communities. Therefore, we would like to invite you to embark on this journey to learn together, have valuable experiences, and build a beautiful and meaningful network of partners.

Vcil Community and The Soil Project invite you to be a part of this inspiring journey in Thailand!

ITINERARY (SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON ACTUAL CONDITIONS)

👉🏼 MODULE 1️⃣ (From December 8-11 at Mab Ueang, Chon Buri, Thailand):

• Conversation with the founder of the Mab Ueang Natural Agriculture Center - Dr. Wiwat Salyakamthorn (Ajarn Yak), former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand.

• Learn about the principles of natural agriculture.

• How to make bio-extracts and compost.

• Learn about the "3 trees for 4 benefits" concept.

• Principles and techniques of water management.

• The concept of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) and the 9 steps of SEP livelihood.

• Waste management.

• How to create farm tools, natural dyes, eco-printing, activated charcoal, soy sauce, etc.

👉🏼 MODULE 2️⃣ (From December 11 - 16 in Nan, northern Thailand):

• Understand the ecological, cultural, and socio-economic contexts in Nan.

• How local people apply SEP to solve problems of erosion, landslides, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.

• Conversations with and visits to various SEP models in different areas of Nan run by local people.

• Participate in community activities with local people.

☘️ TARGET PARTICIPANTS:

• Those who want to learn and seek sustainable solutions for issues related to the environment, food security, sustainable/regenerative development, etc.

• Those who are interested in and working in the agricultural sector.

LANGUAGE: Thai and English. Vietnamese interpretation is available if needed.

🎉 PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FEE

🔹 Module I:

• For the public: 4,900,000 VND (equivalent to $180)

• For Vcil Community Members [20% off]: 3,920,000 VND (equivalent to $145)

🔹 Module II:

• For the public: 14,700,000 VND (equivalent to $550)

• For Vcil Community Members [20% off]: 11,760,000 VND (equivalent to $440)

🔹 Full Program (Both modules):

• For the public: 18,900,000 VND (equivalent to $700)

• For Vcil Community Members [20% off]: 14,900,000 VND (equivalent to $560)

🎁 SPECIAL OFFER FOR VCIL COMMUNITY MEMBERS of 1 year or more: 30% discount

The program fee INCLUDES:

1. Accommodation

2. Daily meals throughout the program

3. Learning materials and logistics

4. Organization, guest speaker, and program design costs

5. Transportation from Mab Ueang to other learning sites (if any)

The fee DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Round-trip airfare to Thailand

• Transportation costs to the center and from the center back to the airport/other locations.

⚠️ NOTE:

• The program can only take place if there are at least 10 participants with full financial contributions.

Contact Information:

• Facebook: Vcil Community or The Soil Project

• Zalo/Whatsapp/Phone: +84.768217586 (Vu) or +84.918.580.257 (Trinh)

• Email: vcil.group@gmail.com