Civilization economics: marketing support system of Roi Et Asoke Community

Abstract

           Roi-Et Asoke is a community that follows the Asoke’s way of life, which adheres to Buddhism philosophy to create harmony in community. Asoke can be considered as an idealistic community model since the community is established composed of a strong network of Asoke people from all over the country. Asoke people has a simple and natural way of life inspired by the principles of Buddhism called “Dhamma”. “BOONIYOM” is an ideological philosophy of Asoke community that engages in gaining benefits for others. This influences people’s daily life, economics, education, political, etc. Roi-Et Asoke community applies the “BOONIYOM” concept to establish a “not-for-profit” market system that was practically accomplished by the activities of the “Ariya Market” or “the Noble Market”, which follows 4 concepts of the BOONIYOM philosophy as follows: 1) Selling products at lower price than the market price 2) Selling products at the price of their production cost 3) Selling products at lower price than their production cost 4) Giving products away for free. The Asoke’s market system can be applied to economic development in a sustainable way since its objective is not to gain profit from the consumers but to offer them worthwhile products and services. It can be said that Asoke is a community that challenges capitalism and globalization while emphasizing self-reliance and neglecting profit from products or services.