The sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP) has been proven to be the best practical concept for helping a country survive poverty and sustain economic growth. However, establishing a sustainable and practical agriculture strategy based on the sufficiency economy philosophy in the highland region of Thailand is not so simple because of various traditional beliefs among the ethnic groups. The theory of panned behavior (TPB) is a generic fact concerning human behavior and belief, regardless of ethnics. This study adapted this theory to capture and develop a belief model for farmers in the highland region. Data from 375 sampled farmers in the highland communities of the Chiang Mai Province were collected by using a multi-stage sampling technique with a questionnaire and analyzed by applying the method of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). It was found that having a belief in the goal of the sufficiency economy philosophy was the most influential factor for applying this philosophy to sustainable agriculture. The second and third most influential factors were having a belief in the opinions from a group of respectful or trustworthy persons as well as federal organizations, and a belief in self-efficacy, respectively. These three factors of belief were assessed by 10 key information indicators. The results of the assessment and analysis could help local federal agencies make a strategic plan for enhancing farmers’ beliefs in and realization of the usefulness of the sufficiency economy philosophy in highland agriculture.

This study aimed to investigate problem conditions, recommendations for problem-solving, and the identification of an appropriate conservation model for the Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest. The locale of the study was at Xiang Ngern district, Luang Prabang province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Focus group discussion was used for data collection conducted with a sample group of three government officials in the area, five members of village forestry committee, five community leaders, and 13 focus group discussion participants. This study consisted of 3 parts: 1) data collection on problem conditions and opinions of officials and villagers to solve problems in the conservation of Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest (Descriptive data analysis); 2) creating a reserved forest conservation model; and                                      3) Assessment of Phu Chom Ngea reserved forest conservation Model. Results of the study revealed that the conservation problems in the Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest are at a high level (3.59). The following were found at a high level: People in the area, the community administrative organization, and the public sector agency, however, found the problem of conservation to be moderate: Context area and Forest conditions. The opinions of officials and villagers identified: 1) The community should realize the importance and necessity of being involved in forest conservation; 2) concerned agencies should promote occupational training; 3) prevention of forest encroachment by clear determination of the forest area; 4) strengthen community leaders; 5) training on knowledge about conservation;                             6) continually instill awareness of forest conservation; 7) should have continual plans on projects implemented in the area; 8) government officials must take the regulations comprehensively and seriously. The Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest conservation model comprised the following:                     1) driving force of stakeholders–the government, community administrative organizations and people in the area. 2) operation–3 important sector: The public sector-The former included budgets material equipment support, clear determination of the forest area, issuing regulations and training/education trip; community administrative organization-public relations, campaigning, being a coordinator with people and other agencies. The latter included people in the area-participate in forest conservation. 3) output-increased participate in the forest conservation. The model had been evaluated and approved by experts.