Bangkok: The challenges facing Tao Poon Subdistrict, Song District, Phrae Province, with its 211,878 rai of land, mostly protected forest and complex mountain ranges, have long been constrained by structural limitations. The primary occupation of the population is agriculture, primarily monoculture farming of corn, heavily reliant on chemicals and external market mechanisms. This has resulted in a high debt rate of 99.36% of farming households. Past attempts at solving these problems were fragmented, lacking shared goals and a central mechanism to connect information with the community. Consequently, the Tao Poon Subdistrict Municipality, responsible for the well-being of its residents, has adopted a new paradigm shift, engaging the people in a collaborative approach of "thinking together, doing together, and sharing the benefits." This culminated in the "Tao Poon Model," improving quality of life in all dimensions, reducing expenses, bridging inequality, and becoming a model area for health and well-being, u nder the leadership of Mr. Natthapol Thonglai, Mayor of Tao Poon Subdistrict Municipality.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapol Thonglai, Mayor of Tao Poon Subdistrict Municipality, emphasized his dream of improving the quality of life for all residents. He detailed how the involvement of the Community Health Promotion Office (Office 3) of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) as an academic mentor in 2013 was a pivotal moment. This mentorship fostered a planning process that engaged various stakeholders, leading to systematic development under the Healthy Community Network. Innovations such as a 100% potable water system, plastic waste recycling, and biogas production have positioned the "Taopoon Model" as a prototype area, drawing nationwide attention.
One of the notable innovations is the affordable clean drinking water system. Initially, villagers faced high costs for bottled water, impacting vulnerable groups. The municipality responded by establishing a water production plant and installing coin-operated dispensers, drastically reducing costs. Ms. Nattamol Thonglai, Deputy Mayor, highlighted the municipality's commitment to water quality, with regular testing ensuring safety and plans for expanding service points.
Residents like Mr. Khanong Chomphuming have benefited significantly, noting the reduction in expenses due to affordable access to clean water. He expressed gratitude for the municipality's efforts, emphasizing the project's benefits for low-income households.
Another success is the biogas system addressing odor issues from pig farms, transforming waste into energy. The system, funded by the provincial energy department, provides biogas to households at a low cost, with residents like Ms. Chomyong Khamkhern noting significant savings and the elimination of odor issues.
In education, the establishment of Tao Poon Subdistrict Municipal School offers free education, reducing social inequality. The school emphasizes language and life skills, with achievements in national competitions. Ms. Kunchayanus Boonyeun, the school's director, outlined the school's growth and commitment to quality education.
Mr. Suebsak Eiamwijarn, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Community Health Plan in the Northern Region, praised Taopoon as a model of self-management and self-reliance, driven by a strong leadership vision and community involvement. The "Taopoon Model" exemplifies how community strength and collaboration can overcome limitations, creating sustainable self-reliance.