Model Development for Enhancing Immunity Against Economic Crisis in the New Normal Era of Thai People in the 21st Century with Buddhist Principles

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to explore the status of model development; 2) to create the development model; and 3) to present a manual for enhancing immunity against economic crisis in the new normal era of Thai people based on the sufficiency economy philosophy in the 21^st century with the Buddhist principles (under Iddhipāda). The population consisted of 1,392 persons from 632 Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Centers under the Royal Initiative, Center for Demonstration and Promotion of Arts and Crafts in the Northeast region, specifically Roi Et, Yasothon, Sisaket, and Sakon Nakhon. A sample group of 311 persons was determined by using Taro Yamane table. The tools used for data collection was a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire with an IOC value ranged between 0.80-1.00 and a total confidence value of .91. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 key informants from Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Centers under the Royal Initiative, Center for Demonstration and Promotion of Arts and Crafts in the Northeast region, as well as focus group discussions with 2 doctoral students, 4 students who worked at the said centers in 4 provinces, and 4 executives from the said centers, for a total of 10 persons.  

The research results showed as follows: 1) The status of model development for enhancing immunity to economic crisis in the new normal era of Thai people in the 21^st century based on Iddhipāda (the four paths of accomplishment) includes social, psychological, natural resources and environment, and economic aspects; 2) The creation of development model for enhancing immunity to economic crisis in the new normal era of Thai people in the 21^st century based on Iddhipāda consists of 4 components with 22 indicators. The model is of propriety and feasibility. All components and indicators meet the criteria for implementation; and 3) A manual for enhancing immunity to economic crisis in the new normal era of Thai people in the 21^st century based on Iddhipāda has overall propriety at a high level. The aspect with the highest level of mean is usefulness from implementing the manual, followed by format and the use of language, while binding has the lowest level of mean.