MOBILIZING SOCIAL SAFETY NETS TOWARDS INTEGRATED WELFARE: A CASE STUDY OF PATTANI PROVINCE

Abstract

           This research aimed to examine the mobilizing social safety nets toward inclusive welfare in Pattani Province, employing a participatory action research approach within a research and development framework, alongside mixed-methods methodology. The research instruments consisted of 1) a poverty household survey, 2) a CIPPEST model evaluation form, 3) semi-structured interviews, and 4) focus group discussion guides. The study involved 250 TPMAP-registered poor households and 38 purposively selected stakeholders involved in welfare mobilization. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and mean, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis.

           The findings revealed that: 1) The social safety net system is shaped by local socio-cultural contexts, encompassing social services, social welfare, social security, and private and community assistance. However, significant gaps in access were observed: only 12.4% of informal workers were covered by social security, and 23% of poor households remained incorrectly registered. Sharp urban-rural disparities were also evident in education and health services. 2) Welfare provision in Pattani is characterized by diverse sources including state, community, and religious organizations. Although the state welfare card scheme reached 78.5% of eligible households, over 60% of recipients reported insufficient support for basic living. Community and religious-based welfare remained robust, with the Tokeh mutual assistance system active in 73% of communities and 92% of mosques organizing annual aid programs. 3) Efforts to integrate policy across agencies were evident, though public participation remained limited and resource distribution unequal. The pilot application of the "Pei ta nian model" improved service accessibility and beneficiary satisfaction, indicating its potential for building a sustainable social welfare system tailored to the Southern border context.