I. The project was visited on December 9 ,2005.The findings and oobservation are as follows:

The project area in Baan Daan Laan Hoi which is a vast area of 90-ha degraded land under the Land Reformed Scheme was visited. The area was referred to as one of the least annual rainfall. Target communities are allotted to live on two acres of land and provide labour and petty services to the authorities and others in the vicinity.

The installation of the solar water pumping was not in place, but digging pond for 115 project members was found going on. The digging was financially supported by the Highway Department that are currently widening a portion of the highway from Sukhothai Province to Tak Province. The cost of digging was estimated to be around Baht: 16 million. This was possible because the department would get free soil for its construction in exchange for their equipment, fuels and man-powers provided in excavation of the ponds. The piping systems was to be co-financed by the Wang Takhraw Tambol Administrative Organization.

This project, though in its infantile stage, can be use to prove very well the effectiveness of the self- sufficient economy of Royal Initiative. Compared to other more fertile area, the project members, probably classified as one of many vulnerable groups in the Thai context, would have to work harder. However, the visiting team members from the project THA-04-11 agreed that the project had a lot of sunlight to use and perceived further activities and cooperation.

II. The project participated in the mid-course evaluation workshop of Thailand-Year-6 GEF/SGP , organized on 25-27 January 2006 . It was one of 27 projects sending project leaders or representatives to report to the workshop on progress of activities, immediate outputs/results that could be witnessed or observed, problems / issues and solution.

With only a few exception, majority of projects concisely reported progress and summarized immediate outputs and results. The report format included from power point to photos to dissemination materials, and to verbal presentation. There was one project bringing product of chemical-free vegetable for sale and show at the venue.

All presentations mentioned about problems and issues, with varying degree, but they had been corrected or rectified. Or at least, the project possessed idea or approach to do so. However, there were a few projects that presented problems and hot issues on environment soliciting further discussion and advice from participants.

On the final day, participants spent half-an-hour sharing idea on forging future networking of the year-6 projects and submitted approach for sustainability. Majority of participants agreed to be tied by natural network, without any regulation or commitment, but hearts and minds. There were two members pledging their times and skill to help others according to their availability.

As a reminder and incentives to ensure most effective implementation of remaining activities, the NC proposed the idea of strategic project where successful SGP projects could gather together so that community actions affecting global benefits would be clearer.

The workshop had seen substantial sharing of experience, especially on related issues of project activities. Somehow, it was felt that the remaining activities would be carried out to their completion. Another evidence, a natural network of environment was formed with a lot of participants winning one another hearts.