Guidelines for Community Development Based on the Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy : A case study of WatKarasin (Ban Nam Dum) community, Prasong sub-district, Tachana district, Suratthani province.

Abstract

The research aims at analyzing the characteristics of community and
its problem ; and suggesting the community development guidelines. In November 2018 to May 2019, the data and information were collected by literature review, face-to-face interview and focus group. Then, Ban Nam Dum was selected as a case study of this research.

          Its results show that : 1) The abbot of WatKalasin in Ban Nam Dum community, PhaKruSukhum Thamakosol, has played very important role in the community development by applying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. In a prolonged process, he has worked closely with the Ban Nam Dum community Working Group to upgrade the quality of people living. He also attempts to provide opportunities for participation in all steps. As a result, he becomes the center of the community ;  2) At the operational level, all key persons, such as head of village, abbot, and working group members strongly focus on their missions and responsibilities, for example, cooperating with different governmental agencies for various activities. Therefore, the moral encouragement gets less attention to be raised for developmental issue ;  3) It is suggested that three main factors including home, temple and school are the important driving process for the application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. It focuses on 3 main principles : adhering to Buddhism principles for living, applying Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to daily life, and living based on Thai traditions and values.