STRENGTHENING PROCESS OF A MODEL COMMUNITY OF SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY: A CASE STUDY OF BAN KUTKHAE NA NGAMSUBDISTRICT SELAPHUM DISTRICT ROIET PROVINCE

Abstract

          The objectives of the research were 1) to study factors affecting the strengthening process of a model community of sufficiency economy and 2) to construct a model ofthe strengthening process of the studied model community of sufficiency economy. Quantitative data was collected from a constructed questionnaire conducted among 106heads of households drawn through simple random sampling. This sample size was determined with Yamane’s sample size formula. Qualitative data was gained from an in-depth interview and focus groups among 18 target informants selected through purposive sampling. Multiple linear stepwise regression was conducted for data analysis. The findings were as follows: 1) The factors such as social relationship, community involvement, and support from governmentagenciesaffected the strengthening process of the model community of sufficiency economy 2) Forsocial relationship, the community members were encouraged to build strong relationship in form of kinship. In so doing, social relationship maintained in form of caring for one another with generosity. For community involvement, the community members were supported to participate in thinking, doing, deciding, and sharing benefits. Forsupport from government agencies, the state sector should thoroughly train the community members in the philosophy of sufficiency economy.To construct a model ofthe strengthening process of model community of sufficiency economy, these major factors were used to construct the strengthening processofBan KutKhae, Na NgamSubdistrict, Selaphum District, RoiEt Province.