The Application of the 17th Royal Working Principle : Self-Reliance

Abstract

          This academic article aims to analyze and interpret the 17th Royal Working Principle of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, focusing on the concept of self-reliance from a philosophical perspective, and to propose practical guidelines for its application in real-life contexts systematically. The study highlights self-reliance as a worldview that empowers inner potential, not merely as a survival tool or economic strategy. It examines self-reliance through the lenses of Buddhist philosophy, Thai practical philosophy, and postmodern middle-path philosophy, illustrating how self-reliance serves as a pathway to restoring human freedom across dimensions of the mind, ethics, society, and sustainable development. The article presents techniques for application at various levels, from individuals, families, and communities to organizations and public policy, and synthesizes new knowledge in the form of the S.E.L.F. Model, comprising four core components that emphasize “inner development for outer impact, self-reliance for the common good” as a foundation of social capital, fostering a culture of stability and mutual support. The study concludes that self-reliance is the foundation of genuine quality of life - serving as a way of living, an ethical framework, and a practical tool for sustainable development. The concept aligns with human nature and can be applied at all levels of Thai society.