He also counselled teachers to generate a culture of knowledge and wisdom.

Governments should grant independence to state communications organisations and fund them from a "communications tax" pool of between Bt5 billion and Bt10 billion.

The second of his strategies built on the philosophy of a self-sufficient economy. He warned that rampant capitalism would destroy Thailand's social fabric.

Number three focussed on community development. This would foster social morality, politics and economics. Business should practice corporate social responsibility, Prawase said.

The reformer believed Thailand should embrace organic, chemical-free agriculture. And, because Thailand had developed a reliance on imported oil that resulted in soaring prices and economic hardship, alternative energy sources were essential.

Point seven of the Prawase plan advocated reform of the bureaucracy to make it more efficient and cost-effective.

Last on the list was "strategic research". He delivered his programme thoughts to an academic symposium on food and water.

National Health Foundation secretary-general Somsak Chunharas told the conference an imbalance of food and water consumption had encouraged disease and health problems - including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and high-blood pressure.

He predicted that within 20 years half the world's people would be affected by a serious water crisis. Better water management now could prevent food and water shortages in the future.