THE NATIONAL Library and 11 regional library branches across the country have begun compiling the “King’s Philosophy”, including His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s initiatives, speeches, ceremonies and the philosophy of the sufficiency economy for young people and other members of the public to study and apply to their daily lives, Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat said yesterday.
Following his previous instructions, Veera said the National Library of Thailand, the Department of Fine Arts and 11 regional library branches in Chon Buri, Song Khla’s Muang district, Song Khla’s Hat Yai district, Suphan Buri, Chiang Mai, Trang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Phanom, Chanthaburi and Kanchanaburi had already completed the compilation of books about His Majesty’s life, works, speeches and lectures.
The compilation will be displayed in separate dedicated spaces at each library for students and the general public to conveniently access for research and learning about the late King.
Citing an order from Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha that assigned all ministries and agencies to gather information and conduct public relations campaigns in regards to His Majesty’s works and speeches, Veera said he had also instructed agencies under his ministries to comply with the order.
He added that ministry would also apply His Majesty’s teachings in its works regarding religion, art and culture, and the self-sufficiency economy.
Ministry of Culture agencies include the Department of Fine Arts, the Department of Religious Affairs, the Department of Culture Promotion, the Office of Contemporary Art, the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre Public Organisation, the Thai Film Archive Public Organisation, and the Moral Promotion Centre Public Organisation.
Veera said the Department of Religious Affairs and the Moral Promotion Centre would work to promulgate virtue and the adoption of religious principles into people’s daily lives while also gathering information about projects following the philosophy of the sufficiency economy for the public’s understanding.
He added that the promotion of information about royal ceremonies that His Majesty had revived, conserved and practised such as the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and the
Royal Barge Procession would enable younger generations to learn.
He also invited members of the public to learn about His Majesty’s life and works via exhibitions organised by various agencies including the National Museum, the National Library, the National Archives of Thailand and the Pathum Thani-based Supreme Artist Hall.
The ministry will also gather details of every project and activity in this compilation effort and record them in videos, news articles and journals to spread information to wider audiences who could apply the principles in their lives, he added.