Mr.Theerawat Pitakprisri
2003 Golden Talent Award Winner
(San Suk Village, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province)
San Suk Village has been resided by Akha tribal people 60 years ago. It is located at northwest around 55 kilometers from the city with the population 600 from 115 families. The areas comprise 100 rais (1 rai equals 1,600 sq.m.) for accommodation, 2,400 rais for agricultural purpose, and 2,000 rais of the forest. People belong to Christian, Buddhist, and Animist. In the past, villagers spent life with self-sufficiency. Their way of life has changed since a decade ago. The land for agriculture was depleted, and could not be expanded due to the land occupation from people nearby. The productivity was more and more decreasing, and the expense was more increasing. The youth went out from the village to find money to support their family. Some were lured to ‘the flesh market’, some were drug-addicted. Though the government and some organizations tried to deal with this problem, it did not work.
Mr.Threerawat was selected to be a headman since 1997. Working with Development of Agriculture and Education Project for Akha (DAPA) which was HPI/TH project holder, he was assigned to be a supervisor of San Suk Hostel, a place where Akha children come to learn Thai Education System, and spend life here as a second home. Five years ago, Terd Thai, a village that Heifer International Thailand (HPI/TH) had provided the help, passed on Mitsamphan pigs (the mixed blood between Duroc Jercy and Meishan) to San Suk Village. Mr.Threerawat came up with the idea of make use of leftovers to feed the pigs, moreover, students can learn how to raise pigs to earn the extra income for the family. Therefore, he received Meishan and Duroc breeds from HPI/TH and bred them to many villages. The piglets are popular as they are not complicated to raise, and give good price.
Growing the livestock and doing agriculture
Apart from raising pigs successfully, he thought for next progress; in 1999 the layer chicken coop funded by HPI/TH was built. They were the source of nutrition for kids and could sell to the community.
Also, this San Suk headman tries to enhance his knowledge by attending lots of workshops such as feed formulation, Village Volunteer for Livestock Development, animal health care facilitated by HPI/TH. He applies the lessons to the real situations effectively. The feed cost can be reduced 50%. As well, he approached “Kitchen Garden” to help villagers improve their nutrition, decrease their family expenses, and to increase their self-reliance. Besides, he is a spearhead in chicken, fish, and frog raising.
Growing the livestock and doing agriculture produce a satisfactory outcome for both San Suk Hostel students, and villagers. In the Hostel, 43 piglets were sold with the price 750-1,000 Baht (18-24 dollars), and were used for students’ feasts such as Christmas. The eggs, frogs, and catfish also give very good income . For the village, San Suk people have learnt to raise the pigs in the pen. Compared to the past, pigs were let free, and ate innutritious feed. At present, San Suk has become the central market of black pigs. Piglets can be bred outnumbering from 4-5 ones per year to 16-22 per year. About the animal healthcare, Mr.Threerawat can give consult on animal’s disease, and
cure them in fundamentals.
Environmental Concern
In 2000, Threerawat headman led his following to do the reforestation in 100 rais. His environmental concern made HPI/TH decide to invite him to Community-Based Water Quality/Quantity Monitoring Workshop in Philippines in 2001. When being back, he initiated water watch program in the village. Right now he and villagers monitored 4 rivers including Salap, Salong, Mor-khang, and Pern.
The role as a guest reception
The success of San Suk Village attracts government officers, private organizations, NGOs, and nearby farmers to visit this project site. Each month, he receives around 100 guests from both all over country and foreign countries. He loves to share the experience and knowledge to interested people. He also acts as a facilitator for Vet students when there was Vet Camp in his province; he would contact the target areas, and interpreted the healthcare message for Akha who do not understand the central language.
How the future will be like
For the long-term sustainability, he wants to find fund for constructing the swine artificial insemination center in the village to increase the production, as well, it will be the learning center for interested farmers. He will form a group to strengthen a power to bargain the price with middlemen, and if people gather to do production, it will reduce the cost. Furthermore, he would expand reforestation areas to 500 rais in the future.
This is not a dream because it will surely happen. It is quite surprising how a man hold a degree only at high school level can change the life of the whole village. He is trusted from his people. He is admired from his initiative, attempt, and hospitality. HPI/TH is content to be a small part to support his devotion, and hope he can develop his community as expected soon. |
