A Model for Sustainable Development in Thai Communities under the Sufficiency Economy Concept

Abstract

In areas with severe natural disasters, effective environmental management has become necessary for sustainable community development. This research investigates three communities that have been successful in community development and water resource management, which include Dong Khee Lek in Prachin Buri Province, Phutham Phukratae in Khonkhaen Province, and Baan Lim Thong in Buriram Province. Using in-depth interviews together with participatory and non-participatory observation, the study found that the “Cycle of Faith” was a prerequisite for a successful process of sustainable development. This “Cycle of Faith,” when combined with the four main elements consisting of good leadership, proper solutions and ideas for development, efficient communication methods for development and intense attention to sustainable management of resources, have led the communities towards successful development. Moreover, during this development process, it is essential to build “awareness” of the community’s actual situation, which will lead to an attempt to put in practice the “knowledge” gained from the learning and thinking processes based on the community’s life ways. All these factors, in turn, trigger the power of “faith” that drives the community’s cycle of development to function endlessly