Strong Community Management Model Based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of Communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Thailand faces problems of poverty, inequality, and social vulnerability resulting from economic and social changes. Strengthening communities is, therefore, a crucial task. Applying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as a guideline for community management will enhance potential and create sustainability at the local level. (1) To study the status of community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. (2) To examine factors affecting community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. (3) To study approaches for developing a model for community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Research Methodology: A mixed-method research methodology was employed. The research instrument used was a questionnaire and an interview form. The sample consisted of 358 residents of villages that received the "Yu Yen Pen Suk" Sufficiency Economy Village Award in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The target group consisted of 40 individuals who participated in the development of villages that received the "Yu Yen Pen Suk" Sufficiency Economy Village Award in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Quantitative data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: 1) The overall level of strong community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province was found to be at a high level. (\bar{x} = 3.81) 2) Factors affecting strong community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province included network cooperation, public participation, policies, and community leaders. This factor could explain 77.20% of strong community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Y), with statistical significance at the .05 level. 3) Guidelines for developing strong community management models based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province consist of four key dimensions: 3.1) Economically, the focus should be on developing professionally managed community enterprises, utilizing digital technology and online marketing tools to add value to products and expand distribution channels, while promoting a grassroots economy that emphasizes the use of cultural capital, local wisdom, and natural resources, along with the creation of collaborative networks. 3.2) Socially, the focus should be on promoting participation among people of all ages, developing volunteer networks, and creating shared learning spaces, emphasizing the development of social-psychological knowledge and participatory social threat surveillance systems. 3.3) Cultural and environmental aspects. Local culture should be revitalized and integrated into learning in the education system, while natural resource conservation should be promoted through community participation, community charter development, environmental funds, and zero-waste activities. 3.4) External cooperation: A forum for exchanges and cooperation between the public and private sectors, educational institutions, and NGOs should be established. Community research projects and field learning should be promoted to enhance community potential for self-reliance and sustainable development based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

Conclusion: The level of strong community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in Nakhon Ratchasima Province is high. Key factors influencing this include network cooperation, public participation, policies, and community leaders, which account for 77.20% of the variables (with statistical significance). The development model comprises four dimensions: economics, society, culture, environment, and external cooperation to strengthen the community.