The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad, has implemented the Sustainable Community Development Based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) Project in Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan.

As part of the project, TICA deployed experts from the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior, to conduct a field assessment in Haripur District and consult with local authorities and community representatives to identify development needs and jointly formulate an appropriate training programme and study visits. Based on the assessment, the Pakistani side nominated 14 participants, comprising community leaders, farmers, entrepreneurs, and government officials from Haripur District, to participate in a training programme and study visit in Thailand from 27 June to 8 July 2026.

The programme introduced participants to Thailand's experiences in applying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) as a practical approach to strengthening community resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through lectures, discussions, and field visits, participants gained first-hand experience in community-based development, including visits to OTOP Midyear 2026, model communities, nature conservation initiatives, cattle farms, and mushroom farms. The knowledge acquired will support the participants in developing community action plans focusing on waste management, local product development, and participatory community governance.

The closing ceremony was held on 8 July 2026 at the Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel and was co-presided over by Ms. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Deputy Director-General of TICA, and Mr. Warong Saengmuang, Deputy Director-General of the Community Development Department. In her closing remarks, Ms. Pimwadee reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and diplomatic relations between Thailand and Pakistan, which have flourished for over 75 years. She emphasized that development cooperation continues to serve as an important pillar of bilateral relations and expressed her confidence that the participants would adapt the knowledge and best practices gained from Thailand to their local context. Such efforts are expected to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities capable of achieving sustainable and self-reliant development in line with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

The training programme forms part of Thailand's continued commitment to sharing its development experiences with partner countries through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting sustainable, people-centred development.