The Development of Systems and Mechanisms for the Mobilization of a Prototype of Urbanized Community Family Development Center through the Integration of Baworn

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) create and develop systems and mechanisms for mobilizing a prototype of an urbanized Community Family Development Center (CFDC) through “Baworn” (Home-Temple-School/Government) participation; and (2) expand the mobilization of this prototype in Rat Burana District, Bangkok. The study employed Participatory Action Research (PAR) based on the PAOR cycle (Planning–Acting–Observing–Reflecting), comprising 10 core activities. The participants included 38 key informants (community and religious leaders, government officials, multidisciplinary teams, and volunteers), 12 members of the center’s mobilization working group, and 110 local stakeholders. Research instruments consisted of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and satisfaction surveys. Data were analyzed using inductive reasoning and triangulation.

The results revealed that: (1) The development of systems and mechanisms led to a social innovation called the “Rat Burana Sil–Baworn Model.” This proactive family protection ecosystem utilizes the temple as a central hub, operating through three core systems (Networking, Personnel, and Management) and four working mechanisms (Safe Space Development, Surveillance, Social Action, and Sustainability Enhancement). (2) Implementation in Rat Burana District established a tangible social safety ecosystem, shifting from reactive to proactive approaches via community networks and digital technology. The overall satisfaction level was high (4.48). Multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders reached a consensus on prioritizing human capital (Software) and the proactive intervention skills of community mentors, enabling the community and the temple to manage the center independently and sustainably.

The new knowledge generated from this research is the “RBS Model” (Rat Burana Sil–Baworn Model), consisting of three pillars: Foundations, Innovation Linkage Spaces, and Social Safety Architecture (4S). Policy recommendations suggest that the government should promote the role of urban temples as social hubs to tangibly strengthen family institutions.