Sufficiency Economy’s Philosophy for Improving Quality of Life: A Case study Pilot Project of Forces of the 2nd Army Area

Abstract

This study was qualitative research. The purpose of this study were (1) to study the sufficiency economy’s philosophy for improving the quality of life in the pilot project of forces of the 2nd  Army Area, and (2) to study the practices of applying the sufficiency economy’s philosophy for improving the quality of life for forces in other army areas. Four pilot projects were studied through in-depth interview, focus group, and non-participant observation.

            The results of this study indicated that the 2nd  Army Area has implemented the pilot project on sufficiency economy philosophy for improving its forces’ quality of life by adopting  the principles of moderation, reasonableness, self-immunity, body of knowledge, and virtue. As these results, the forces in the 2nd Army Area have higher quality of life in several terms.  In social terms, the forces have been cultivated to take advantage of leisure time for useful activities, without incurring burden and exploiting society. In economic terms, the forces have extra income, know how to plan and spend economically. In family term, family members can jointly do activities, enhancing the close and warm relationship. In mental term, the mind of forces has been developed reflected by their sacrifice, sharing, moderation life. Moreover, the practices of applying the sufficiency economy philosophy for improving the quality of life for forces in other army areas were as follows: 1) Setting project goal/ objectives, 2) Defining practical approach and 3) Creating success factors in applying sufficiency economy for improving the quality of lives of forces in other army areas.