THE LINKAGES BETWEEN LABOUR CAPITAL AND OTHER FORMS OF CAPITAL IN TRANSFORMING PRODUCTION AND LIFESTYLES ACCORDING TO THE "KHOK NONG NA MODEL”

Abstract

This research article explored the characteristics of labor capital utilization as                 a fundamental prerequisite for transforming production systems and lifestyles under                  the "Khok Nong Na Model." It also examines the linkages between the labor capital and other forms of capital that contribute to this transformation. Employing a grounded theory approach, the study selected 20 key informants who have actively implemented the "Khok Nong Na Model." The findings indicated that hands-on involvement is a critical condition for successfully applying this model, particularly through the strategic use of farmers' labor as economic capital. However, it does not only involve the exertion of physical strength, but also highlights the importance of knowledge, experience, and skills, which are integral to labor capital. The "Khok Nong Na Model" embodies an informed and skillful approach to labor capital utilization, where cultural capital—shaped by local wisdom, agricultural expertise, and ecological awareness—plays a crucial role. Moreover, labor capital in this model is deeply interconnected with social capital, symbolic capital, and economic capital, creating a comprehensive framework for sustainable development. By emphasizing hands-on labor as a form of capital rather than just a production factor, the "Khok Nong Na Model" fosters a holistic transformation. It enables farmers to harness their potential and generate value beyond economic returns, reinforcing self-reliance and community resilience. Unlike conventional production models that may reduce labor to a mere mechanical function, this model integrates labor with broader human capacities, ensuring that work remains meaningful and empowering. Ultimately, the "Khok Nong Na Model" represents an innovative labor capital framework that transcends traditional production systems, facilitating the sustainable and ethically driven transformation of agricultural and rural livelihoods.