“An autobiography not only relates stories about a person’s life, but it is also a book full of lessons. Good or bad, we all have to go through (life).”
In two sentences, Dr Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary General of Chaipattana Foundation, summed up his 300-page autobiography titled “Chivit Nee Chata Likit” or “Destined Life”.
For over 30 years, Dr Sumet worked closely with the late King Rama 9 on rural development projects
Priced at Bt999, the book is being launched at the National Book Fair 2024 today (March 28) and will soon be available at leading bookstores nationwide. All proceeds from sales will be donated to the Chaipattana Foundation.
“My life was destined. Sometimes, very bitter. Everything was dark. But when the right time came, life became bright. Life is as simple as that. Sometime it’s dark, sometime it’s bright. I have to accept my destiny. But I never let destiny dictate my life.”
The book, published to celebrate his 84th birthday, details the interesting life of Dr. Sumet, a key person in the area of sustainable development, a man who closely served the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej for almost half of his life.
Today Dr Sumet is regarded as a very successful individual, a leader, and a true advocate of sustainable development and sufficiency economy. Yet his life has been far from easy at times.
There have been both tough times and unexpected events, among them a childhood that was both sweet and bitter following his parent’s divorce when he was sent to live with relatives, his schooling in Vietnam and Laos at the peak of the Indochina War, his service on the battlefield and his 11 years working to restore peace and national security.
Dr Sumet shares the stories behind the book.
The biggest chapter in his life, and also in his book, covers his experience of working closely with HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on sustainable development.
“I remembered the first time I was assigned to work with His Majesty King Rama 9. The late king asked me if I was happy to be working for him. I replied that I was very worried because I had studied political science and knew nothing about agriculture, reforestation or water management.”
“His Majesty was quiet for a moment and told me not to worry about anything because he would be my teacher. He told me to look at everything he did, write down everything he said, and summarise and analyse every idea and thought he shared.”
And so Dr Sumet became a student of King Rama 9, strictly following His Majesty’s instructions.
With Dr Snoh Unakul
He carefully looked at what the king did in his development projects, wrote down what the late king said, then analysed all the information and ideas in order to understand the real situation and foresee what would happen in the future.
Working closely with King Rama 9, Dr Sumet observed that His Majesty always thought of his people before himself and cared for everyone around him. All the development projects are designed to improve people’s quality of life and the sustainability of the nature.
Dr Sumet signs his book.
“Looking ahead, the future will bring more advanced technologies. But to survive in such an advanced world, we need to look back to our roots. Advanced development has spoiled the air we breathe, polluted the water we drink and use. Our task now is to protect the soil because it is the root of our lives,” he said, referring to major development projects on which the Chaipattana Foundation continues to work.
Since 1988, Dr Sumet has been serving as the Secretary General of the Chaipattana Foundation, the non-profit organization established by King Rama 9 to carry out royal initiatives.
“It’s work that has no expiry date,” he wrote in his book.
Life on the battlefield
When King Rama 9 was very ill, Dr Sumet had an audience with him to report on work progress. His Majesty told Dr. Sumet, “The work is not finished yet.”
The late king’s last words became Dr Sumet’s commitment and the reason why he is still working everyday despite his age.
“In fact, I am a very lazy person. So, I work every day because I am too lazy to stay home,” he joked. “I do what I can do, and do it to the best of my ability. At least, before I die, I won’t be sad thinking about what I have missed in life.”
By Veena Thoopkrajae with additional reports by Kanokchan Patanapichai
