The project, dubbed mor khao deiew kan, or “from same rice pot”, saw 40 officers grow their own vegetables, raise fish and pool their lunch money to prepare rice and a few dishes for lunch every weekday.

The idea was to ensure that everyone would have enough to eat to boost officers’ sense of unity and save money, said superintendent Pol Colonel Pongchak Preechakarunpong.

“The precinct is like a big family of officers who have to work everyday and their salary isn’t so high, so they must stick together,” he said.

Pongchak added that he initially contributed money but the entire precinct followed suit to buy rice to complement the fish and vegetables raised within the police compound.

The project also reflected His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s self-sufficiency philosophy, he said.

Nearby community residents have also occasionally sent fruit and vegetables to the officers.