Community Economy Model in Urban Community: Case Study of Donkaew Subdistrict, Maerim District, Chiangmai Province

Abstract

The research article aimed at exploring the situations and community economy model in urban communities of Donkaew Subdistrict, Maerim District, Chiangmai Province. The study used a qualitative research method, with data collected through in-depth interviews with 30 persons. The acquired data were analyzed by content analysis and triangulation method. The descriptive technique was used to present the data.

            From the study, the following results are found: 1) Donkaew Subdistrict has an urban component in terms of population as well as physical and social elements, which results in people's individualism, cultural variety, and differences in opinions. This includes the time and space required to carry out community activities. However, there are new powers in the area, both the power of knowledge and competence, the power of consumption that comes from the urban communities, including the power of volunteering to aid and care for the communities that has been consistently and concretely driven in the area. 2) The community economy in urban communities of Donkaew Subdistrict is a drive centered on volunteering, assisting one another, collaborating, and sharing among community members, comprising 3 main components: (1) community members; (2) work and activities; and (3) operators. This drive requires the establishment of a central management unit to coordinate and cooperate on integration and the creation of demand flows in terms of both direct action and continuous demand, both of which are based on the holistic development concept.