Best practices and success stories in area-based development are almost always the result of collaborative effort. Community leaders and members work alongside academic institutions and government agencies, sharing knowledge, lived experiences, and local perspectives to address pressing challenges and co-develop solutions suited to their unique contexts. In Thailand, the Royal Family has long paved the way for such collaborations. Royal initiatives and projects under royal patronage have stood the test of time, providing enduring models of sustainability and community empowerment.

Since our inaugural issue, the Area Based Development Research Journal has been committed to presenting the legacy of these royal initiatives and the guiding principles that continue to illuminate pathways toward sustainable national development. We remain dedicated to disseminating best practices and impactful success stories in rigorous academic formats—ensuring that local wisdom, co-creation processes, and evidence-based innovations reach a broader international readership.



Associate Professor Chitnarong Sirisathitkul, D.Phil., Editor-In-Chief