Lessons Learned from People Participation in Poverty Reduction based on Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, a case study of Nai-Mueang Sub-District, Wiang-Kao District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

     “Poverty” is a part of facing crucial problems in Thai society for long time, particularly in the Northeastern of Thailand. Obviously, its poverty rate evidence is highly seen compared to others regions in Thailand. However, only government itself cannot achieve for the poverty reduction goals. Khon Kaen University as a regional academic institute which employs multi-disciplinarians has seen through injustice issues in society. Accordingly, project called “Poverty Reduction based on Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” has been initiated for social resolution. This is a sub-project under the host program named “Public Health and Education Resolutions in the Northeastern Thailand toward Social Disparity Reduction”. Nevertheless, whether project implementation success or not, people participation is a key factor for driven. Hence, this article significantly aims to scrutiny model of people participation and to study influent characteristics that factor people to involve in poverty reduction based on Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in Wiang-Kao District, Khon Kaen Province. Methodology used is a qualitative research throughout relevant academic documents study, in-depth interview, and participatory observation.

     Resulting, there are two key findings found. Firstly, people participation model can be categorized into three detailing types as 1) conditional participation, 2) relevant authorities which directly respond to their officially strategic responsibilities, as selected participation, and 3) local administrative boards and leaders have appointed through, as appointed participation. Secondly, there are three kinds of influent characteristics classified as 1) poverty situation existing to be faced by local people 2) people paradigm on relying external assistance, and 3) conceptual creation and its belief of local leaders and administrators’ structural mechanism