THE PROCESS OF LEARNING AND TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY PHILOSOPHY IN PHRA NAKNON DISTRICT, BANGKOK

Abstract

This study aims to explore the process of learning and transferring knowledge of the community towards the philosophy of sufficiency economy in the Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok by using a qualitative research method. Participants included 15 people residing in the Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, who served as role models in integrating the Sufficiency Economy into their lives. Data were collected through a structured interview, non-participant observation and other documentary research, and then analyzed. Findings showed that:

1) Learning the process of sufficiency economy in Phra Nakhon distric included 1) motivation, 2) knowledge and understanding of the philosophy 3) application and 4) analysis and assessment.

2) The transmission of knowledge concerning the sufficiency economy can be divided into 4 facets, as follow: 1) Characteristics of a transferring knowledge should be of a person who never stops learning and is pragmatic and self-dependent. 2) The transferees: members in the family, neighbors, and outsiders. 3) The reason for sharing transferring knowledge to others was because King Rama IX’s philosophy is so valuable that it should be disseminated to other community members and let them practice it to strengthen the community. 4) The content, means of transferring knowledge, knowledge assessment and follow up were also discussed. The content was mostly about the King’s working principles and means to follow his guidance. Means of transferring knowledge included setting a good example and demonstrating how to apply it in practice. The assessment and follow-up were done through an observation of how attentive and interested the participants were, and how the participants raised questions and put theories into practice. The assessment was based on the real situation.