Knowledge and Behavior toward Household Accounts Based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of the People in Nong Faek Subdistrict Municipality, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) compare the knowledge of household accounting grounded in the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and the behavior of individuals in applying this philosophy in their daily lives, and 2) examine the relationship between knowledge and behavior related to household accounting based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy among residents of Nong Faek Sub-district Municipality in Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province. The sample comprised 354 households from the Nong Faek Sub-district Municipality, selected through a simple random sampling method. Data collection was conducted by using a questionnaire, and the analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent samples T-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient to explore the relationships.

According to the study, the average score for knowledge of household accounting based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was 7.30, indicating a moderate level. In contrast, the overall average score for applying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in daily life was 4.47, reflecting a high level of behavior. The comparisons of knowledge of household accounting based on factors such as gender, age, occupation, education level, family income, and family expenditure revealed statistically significant differences. Similarly, the analysis of behaviors associated with the application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, categorized by occupation, education level, family income, and family expenditure also demonstrated statistically significant differences. Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between knowledge of household accounting and behaviors related to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, finding a statistically significant moderate correlation (r = .470) in the same direction. In light of these findings, it is recommended that the sub-district municipality and relevant private sector organizations collaborate to promote and facilitate training and knowledge dissemination regarding household accounting through the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. This should include organizing activities aimed at motivating and encouraging public participation in household accounting, which would ultimately lead to improved financial discipline within families. Such an approach would enable families to plan and manage their expenses in alignment with their income, thereby fostering moderation, prudence, and resilience in their lives.