Miss Rojanee Lelakul and Miss Pannarai Phaholyotin

Position: Co-founders of Pannar Sufficiency Economy ​Philosophy Learning Center

Two accomplished female executives from leading global ​companies, Miss Rojanee Lelakul and Miss Pannarai ​Phaholyotin,have paved the way for learning that connects ​business life with the soil stewardship.

After decades in office work and a fast-paced lifestyle, Miss ​Rojanee Lelakul fell seriously ill and returned to Thailand. ​She attended a natural farming course at the Mab Ueang ​Agri-Nature Center, where she discovered the vital ​connections between food, soil, and health. Inspired, she ​invited her friend, Miss Pannarai Phaholyotin, who shared ​her interest in health, to explore this approach with her. ​Together, they founded the Pannar Sufficiency Economy ​Philosophy Learning Center in October 2015, shortly after ​the passing of King Rama IX, to honor his legacy and ​promote resilience against future crises.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the PANNAR ​Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center launched ​the "PuengTon PheuChart" Self-Reliance project. This ​initiative supported 1,000 urbanites, office workers, and ​businesspeople who suddenly found themselves in ​distress. The project grew into a network of volunteers ​who understand that food originates from the soil, and ​that soil connects us to all life on Earth.

BEFORE : AFTER

about pannar

In May 2015, Khun Pannarai and Kun Rojanee attended training at the Mab Ueang Agri-Nature Center with Dr. Wiwat Salyakamthorn, ​also known as Ajarn Yak. Dr. Wiwat had served as a project coordinator for the initiatives under King Rama IX for 16 years before ​resigning to establish the Mab Ueang Agri-Nature Center. His goal was to demonstrate that practicing the principles of the Royal Projects ​could lead to self-sufficiency and sustainable living.

Additionally, when both Khun Pannarai and Khun Rojanee participated in the watershed forest restoration activities in Nan Province ​with Ajarn Yak and the Agri-Nature Network, their faith in the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and New Theory Agriculture was ​strengthened. This experience inspired them to develop the PANNAR Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center , with the aim of ​setting an example and perpetuating the King's principles.

The PANNAR Center started gradually, following Ajarn Yak's guidance. With the collaborative efforts of the network, they worked on ​environmental restoration and land modification (Kok Nong Na model) in line with the Royal Projects' approach to water management ​and agricultural land distribution.

Instead of relying primarily on funding, they adopted "Pai Ao Mue" or "Pai Long Kaek," which involves collaborative farming ​activities. The experiences they gained from helping friends in the Agri-Nature Network in various areas taught them the ​importance of friendship, sharing, and applying their knowledge to develop the Pannar Center. Friends from different regions also ​came to help build and develop the PANNAR Center into a learning space for the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy as envisioned ​by King Rama IX.

Ultimately, the PANNAR Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center has become a place where these valuable principles are ​shared and passed on to others without expecting anything in return. They hope that visitors will learn and apply these teachings ​in their own lives, bringing happiness and fulfillment from giving, sharing, and contributing positively to society."

Puengton Project

In 2020, the Thai economy faced what the media termed as "the worst in Asia," ​with COVID-19 expected to lead to unemployment for around 3.3 million Thais ​by year-end. These affected individuals cannot rely on government assistance.

The Puengton Project, a non-profit initiative, aims to help Thais to be self-​reliant through its "Sufficiency Economy" program. This 3-month program will ​educate the ways of self-learning and self-sufficient living according to the new ​agriculture theory, under the mentorships of Wiwat Salyakamthorn and the ​founders of the Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center. The ​project's goal is to recruit 1,000 participants to learn from experts and create ​their own support system without depending on government aid.

The "Puengton Project" course officially commenced in August 2021 and ​successfully completed 16 groups by 2023.