PPDO International Conference
Happiness and Public Policy
United Nations Conference Center (UNCC)
(To download all session papers, click here)
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
07.00 – 08.45 |
Registration for the International Conference at the UNCC |
08.45 – 09.30 |
Morning Sessions – Conference Room 1 |
Opening Ceremony
08.45 - 09.00 |
Video Presentation
“Happy: Isn’t It?”
(168 MB Windows Media Video)
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09.00 - 09.05 |
Welcoming Address

By Dr. Sauwalak Kittiprapas, Acting Director, Public Policy Development Office, Kingdom of Thailand
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09.05 - 09.10 |
Welcoming Remarks
By Mr. Kim HAK-SU, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP
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09.10 - 09.15 |
Report to the Deputy Prime Minister
By Mr. Rongpon Charoenpan, Secretary-General to the Cabinet, Kingdom of Thailand
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09.15 - 09.30 |
Opening Speech “Sufficiency Economy: Thailand’s Operationalized Model of happiness”
By Deputy Prime Minister, Paiboon Wattanasiritham.
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09.31 - 10.00 |
Coffee Break
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10.00 - 12.45 |
Introductory Sessions – Conference Room 1
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10.00 - 10.30 |
Introductory Remarks:
“Happiness: New Direction for Development” 
By H.E. Lympo Jigmi Thinley, Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs, Kingdom of Bhutan
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10.30 - 12.30 |
Plenary Sessions - Conference Room 1
"Happiness and Public Policy"
- Prof. Robert Cummins, Deakin University, Australia
Happiness and Public Policy
- Prof. Paul Fritzer, Queensland University of Technology,Australia
F.Paul 2007 Thailand general talk
- Prof. Takayashi Kusago, Osaka University, Japan
- Mr. Rae Kwon Chung, Director of Environment and Sustainable Development Division, UNESCAP
- Chaired by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Varakorn Samkoses, Deputy Minister of Education of Kingdom of Thailand
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12.30 - 12.45 |
“Tree Robo” 3D Film – Grand Prix Winner at the 12th Bradford Animation Festival, Director Moon-Saeng Kim, Republic of Korea |
12.45 – 13.45 |
Lunch Break |
13.45 – 15.15 |
Parallel Sessions 1-5
Rooms: MR-G, MR-H, CR-1, MR-A, MR-F |
13.45 - 15.30 |
Session 1- 5 |
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Session 1:
The International Organization towards New Paradigm of Development
Place: Meeting Room G
Chair: Savi Phadi, UNESCAP
Presenters:
John Hall and Erica Matthews, OECD
“Measure What Matters”
Rae Kwon Chung by Aneta Nikolova, UNESCAP
“Green Growth Concept”
Darryl Macer and Sarinya Sophia, UNESCO
“Happiness and A Good Life: The Need for A Secure Future in the Age of Change”
Discussant: Savi Phadi, UNESCAP |
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Session 2:
Concept and Indicator: Experience from Thailand
Place: Meeting Room H
Chair: Zulfiqar Ali, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, Bangladesh
Presenters:
Juthamars Barameechai, Deputy Secretary-General of National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), Thailand
“Green and Happiness Index”
Faith Martin, University of Bath
“Undertanding Perceptions of What Is Important to Subjective Quality of Life: Using the Global Person Generated Index in Northeast Thailand”
Laura Camfield, University of Bath
“Perceived Necessities: in (Selected Site in) Thailand & Their Relationship to Common Indicators of Need Satisfaction and QoL”
Discussant: Apichai Mongkol, Department of Mental Health, Thailand |
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Session 3:
Domain of Happiness
Place: Conference Room 1
Chair: Dr. Kriengsak Charoenwongsak, Social Science Association of Thailand (SSAT)
Presenters:
Richard A. Easterlin and Onnicha Sawangfa, University of Southern California. USA.
“Happiness and Domain Satisfaction: Theory and Evidence”
Fernando Borraz, Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay
“And What About the Family Back Home? International Migration and Happiness”
Professor Dr. Kriengsak Charoenwongsak, SSAT
“Happiness and Development Targets in Thailand”
Discussant: Professor Dr. Kriengsak Charoenwongsak, SSAT
Dr. Noppadon Kanika, Assumption University, Thailand |
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Session 4:
Can Science and Technology Help Us Achieve Happiness?
Place: Meeting Room A
Opening Remarks by H.E. Professor Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Minister of Science and Technology, Thailand
Chair: Craig W. Smith, University of Washington, USA.
Presenters:
John Sherry, Intel.
“Designing Technology for Health and Happiness: Three Cases from Intel Corporation”
Professor Alvind Loyada, Nokia
“Design Oasis”
Discussant: Bordin Rasameetade, SSAT |
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Session 5:
Health Aspect of Happiness
Place: Meeting Room F
Chair: Dr. Peter Haddawy, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Presenters:
Bernard Van Den Berg, Institute of Health Sciences and VU University, The Netherlands
“The Impact of Providing Informal Care on Self-Reported Well-Being”
“Well-Being, Health, and the Value of Life”
Ian Morley, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
“The Trauma of Modernity and its Well-Being of Disparity”
Discussant: Dr. Somchai Suksirisereekul, Thammasart University, Thailand
Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe, AIT |
15.30 - 15.45 |
Coffee Break |
15.45 - 17.15 |
Session 6 - 10
Rooms: MR-A, MR-H; CR-1, MR-G, MR-F |
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Session 6:
A Paradigm Shift: Perspective from Thailand
Place: Meeting Room A
Chair: Dr. Mokbul Morshed Ahmad, AIT, Thailand
Presenters:
J. Allister McGregor, University of Bath, UK
“The Promises and Pitfalls of Well-Being for Understanding Development in Thailand”
Peter Warr, Australian National University, Australian University, Australia (ANU), Australia
“The Economics of ‘Enough’: Thailand’s ‘Sufficiency Economy’ Debate”
Discussant: Dr. Direk Pattamsiriwat, Thammasart University, Thailand
Dr. Narong Petchprasert, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
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Session 7:
Materialization and Happiness
Place: Meeting Room H
Chair: Dr. Suttilak Smitasiri, Mahidol University, Thailand
Presenters:
Hiromi Yamakushi & Buapan Promphakping, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
“Can People Create and Transform Material Wealth to Enhance their Quality of Life”
Wanippol Mahaarcha & Sirinan Kittisuksathit, Mahidol Univeristy, Thailand
“Thai Youth Happiness: Evidences from Kanchanaburi Province”
Discussant: Dr. Suttilak and team, Mahidol University, Thailand |
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Session 8:
Role and Impact of Social Capital 1
Place: Conference Room 1
Chair: Dr. Sununta Siengthai, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Presenters:
Dr. Buapan Promphakping, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
“Collective Action: Contested Values in the Pursuit of Well- Being in Thailand”
Dr. Awae Masae, Prince Songkhla University, Thailand
“The Roles of Human, Social and Cultural Resources in Adapting Livelihood Strategies to Meet Well-Being Aspirations in Contemporary Thailand”
Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, University of Bath, UK
“Income, Expenditure and Debt in the Construction of Well- Being: Does ‘Relationship’ Matter?
Discussant: Dr. Sununta Siengthai, AIT
Dr. Kaemthong Indaratana, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand |
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Session 9:
Role of Neuro-Science on Happiness
Place: Conference Room G
Chair: Soraj Hongladarom, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Presenters:
Craig Smith, University of Washington, USA
“Neuroscience as a Source of GNH Measures: The Challenges Ahead”
Discussant: Soraj Hongladarom, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand |
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Session 10:
Labor Market: Aspect of Happiness
Place: Meeting Room F
Chair: Bernard Van Den Berg, Institute of Health Sciences and VU University, The Netherlands
Presenters:
Thomas Lange, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
“Trade Union Membership and Happiness at Work: Lessons from Eastern & Western European Labor Markets”
Thomas Wai-Kee Yuen, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong
“Can a Force-Saving Policy Enhance the Future Happiness of the Society? A Survey Study of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Policy in Hong Kong”
Onnicha Sawangfa, University of Southern California, USA
“Does Job Change Lead to Greater Satisfaction? Evidence from Korea”
Discussant: Dr. Salil Sen, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Dr. Mathana Phananiramai, Thammasart University, Thailand
Dr. Tatre Chantrakolika, Thammasart University, Thailand |
18.00 |
Reception hosted by |
Thursday,19 July 2007
08.30 – 09.00 |
Registration for the International Conference at the UNCC |
09.00 – 12.15 |
Morning Sessions – Parallel sessions in 5 rooms
(CR1, MR A, MR G, MR H, MR F) |
09.00 – 10.30 |
Session 11 - 15 |
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Session 11:
Conceptualization of Emerging Happiness Platform
Place: Meeting Room G
Chair: Prahlad Shekhawat, Alternative Development Center, India
Presenters:
Catherine M. Fisher, Hudson Institute, USA
“Neo-Happiness Approach: Lessons from Past Paradigms to Promote the Inclusion of Happiness in International Development”
Juliana Essen, Soka University, USA
“Democratic Selection of Context-specific Capabilities: A Dialogic Procedure to Address Agency, Difference, and Power”
Discussant: Hans Van Willenswaard, Sathien Koses-Nakapratheep Foundation (SNF) |
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Session 12:
Driving Factors of Happiness in National Level
Place: Meeting Room H
Chair: Dr. Kittiwat Uchupalananda, Prime Minister Office, Thailand
Presenters:
Pun-Arj Chairatana and others, Public Policy Development Office, Thailand
“Social Cohesion, Lifestyles, Learning Society, and Innovation System: Decoding of Happiness Infrastructure from Scandinavian Experiences”
Vijay Kumar Shrotryia, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), India
“How Happy are the People of Bhutan? A Study from the Perspective of Quality of Life”
Takayoshi Kusago, University of Osaka, Japan
“Life Satisfaction in Japan”
Discussant: Dr. Jarunee Wonglinpiyarat, National Metal and Materials Technology Center, Thailand
Dr. Thakur Singh Powdyel, Center for Educational Research and Development, Bhutan
Dr. Kaemthong Indaratana, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand |
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Session 13:
Role and Impact of Social Capital 2
Place: Conference Room 1
Chair: Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat, Chulalongkorn University
Presenters:
Robert A. Cummins, Deakin University, Australia
“The Distribution of Resources, Population Happiness, and Public Policy”
Tetsuo Ogawa, Chiba University, Japan
“A New Perspective on Social Development: Social Quality and Its Potential Role for Public Policy Making in Asia and the Pacific”
Natthavudh Powdthavee, University of London, UK
“Putting A Price Tag on Friends, Relatives, and Neighbours: Using Surveys of Life Satisfaction to Value Social Relationships”
Discussant: Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat, Chulalongkorn University
Dr. Direk Pattamasiriwat, Thammasart University
Dr. Chaiyuth Panyasawatsut, Thammasart University |
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Session 14:
Technological Application to Leverage Standard of Living
Place: Meeting Room A
Chair: Professor Said Irandoust, President, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand
Presenters:
Dr. Wannatee Phantachat, National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Thailand
“Happiness Through Independent Living: Best Practice in Assistive Technology Development in Thailand”
Dr. Nathabhol Khantachai, Public Policy Development Office (PPDO), Thailand
“Enhancing Technological Capabilities for Happiness: Lessons from Thailand”
Michael Bauwens, Foundation for Peer to Peer Alternatives, Thailand
“Passionate Production and the Happiness Surplus”
Discussant: Professor Kanchana Kanchanasut, AIT |
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Session 15:
Happiness, Pluralism, and Self Identification
Place: Meeting Room F
Chair: Professor Nural Amin, AIT
Presenters:
Julio Mendes, University of Algarve, Portugal
“Students’ Happiness and Well-Being: The Case fo University of Algarve”
C. Fiifi Odoom, Douglas College, Canada
“How Un-Severing Our Celestial Tie to the Environment Will Make Us Happier”
Paolo Verme, University of Torino, Italy
“Happiness and Freedom in a World of Heterogeneous Values”
Discussant: Nitinun Wisaweisuan, Thammsat University, Thailand
Niramon Suthamkit, Thammasat Univesity, Thailand.
Pattamaporn Busapathum, Asian University, Thailand |
10.30 – 10.45 |
Coffee Break |
10.45 – 12.15 |
Session 16 – 20 |
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Session 16:
Religions: Perspectives and Interpretation
Place: Meeting Room A
Chair: Dr. Khin Ni Ni Thein, Vice President, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.
Presenters:
Apichai Pantasen, University of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
“Why Buddhist Economics is Needed as a New Paradigm towards Happiness (or Wellness)”
Wanna Prayukwong, University of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
“A Buddhist Economics Approach to Employee Volunteer Program: Happiness in the Workplace”
Gherardo Girardi, London Metropolitan University, UK
“What Bring Us Happiness? The Contribution of Wisdom as Expressed in Religions, Popular Sayings and Cultural Traditions”
Discussant: Mynak Trulku, Center of Bhutan Study (CBS), Bhutan
Francesco Volpini, SNF
Wallapa Van Willenswaard, SNF |
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Session 17:
Localization of Happiness: Thailand’s Empirical Study
Place: Meeting Room H
Chair: Buapan Promphakping
Presenters:
Laura Camfield, University of Bath, UK
“Happiness in Thailand: Basic Needs and Wealth in a Context of Rapid Change”
Rossarin Gray and Roongthong Kramanon, Mahidol University, Thailand
“A Feeling of Self-Sufficiency and Happiness Among Thai Population”
Discussant: Pornpilai Buasuwan, Social Science Association of Thailand (SSAT) |
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Session 18:
Role and Impact of Social Capital 3
Place: Conference Room 1
Chair: Dr. Awae Masae, Prince Songkhla
Presenters:
Paul Frijters, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
“Income and Happiness: Evidence, Explanations and Economic Implications”
Francesco Sarracino, University of Florence, Italy
Dr. Maneemai Tongyoo, CERP
“Transnational Migration in Greater Maekong Sub-region (GMS)”
Discussant: Nattavudh Powdthavee, University of London, UK |
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Session 19:
ICT Application: Lessons from Bhutan and Thailand
Place: Meeting Room G
Chair: Tashi Phonsog, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Bhutan
Presenters:
Dr. Pansak Siriruchatapong, National Electronics and Computer Technology Center
“ICT for Happiness in Thailand: Revisiting Past, Understanding Present, and Envisioning Future Roles of NECTEC”
Binu Thomas and Th. Shanta Kumar, Sherubtse College, Bhutan
“Geographical Information System – A Tool for Bridging Digital Divide in Bhutan”
Pataraporn Jaruhirunsakul, University of Sydney, Australia
“The Study of Love Happiness in Computer-Mediated Communication Research”
Discussant: Tashi Phonsog, Bhutan
Nattapon Khantachai, PPDO, Thailand |
12.15 – 13.45 |
Lunch Break |
13.45 – 16.00 |
Afternoon Session – Conference Room 1 |
13.45 – 14.00 |
Video Presentation “Happy: Isn’t It?” |
14.00 – 16.00 |
Closing Session
“Pathways to Happiness”
- By Ms. Erica Matthews, OECD
- Prof. Allister McGregor, University of Bath
- Dr. Thakur Singh Powdyel, Center of Bhutan Studies, Kingdom of Bhutan
- Mr. Sulak Sivalak, Chairman, Satian Koses-Nakaprateep Foundation, Kingdom of Thailand
- Chaired by: H.E.. Paiboon Wattanasiritham, Deputy Prime Minister of Kingdom of Thailand
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- Download the tentative programmed in English, click here.
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