ทุนสังคมกับความเปราะบางของครัวเรือนชนบท:  กรณีศึกษาชุมชนชาวพุทธในภาคใต้ของประเทศไทย

Nantiya Panomjan; Benjawan Buakwan; Jathuporn Kraitavorn; Paveena Kaewubon; Panumas Pruekthikanee; Manee Keawchanid; Sorapong Benchasri; Purawich Phitthayaphinant

Authors

Nantiya Panomjan Faculty of Agriculture, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, Thailand
Benjawan Buakwan Institute of Southern Thai Studies, Thaksin University, Songkhla, Thailand
Jathuporn Kraitavorn Faculty of Agriculture, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, Thailand
Paveena Kaewubon Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, Thailand
Panumas Pruekthikanee Faculty of Agriculture, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, Thailand
Manee Keawchanid Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, Thailand
Sorapong Benchasri Faculty of Agriculture, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, Thailand
Purawich Phitthayaphinant Faculty of Agriculture, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, Thailand

Keywords:

Rural Development, Poverty, Inequality, Buddhist Community, Social Capital

Abstract

Background and Objective: Economic, social, and environmental changes have increased the vulnerability of many rural households. Previous studies have underscored the role of social capital in mitigating household vulnerability. This study, therefore, aims to examine the role of social capital in reducing household vulnerability, using a Buddhist community in Srinakarin District, Phatthalung Province, Southern Thailand, as a case study.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected from 39 key informants, consisting of vulnerable households and relevant community stakeholders, using purposive selection. Data collection was conducted in 2024 through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide, and field observations. The data were analyzed using content analysis, while triangulation and member checking were employed to ensure the credibility of the findings.

Main Results: The Sinpraethong Network exemplifies strong social capital across three dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. These dimensions are interconnected and mutually reinforcing in enhancing access to resources, knowledge, and economic opportunities, thereby reducing household vulnerability. However, access to social capital remains uneven, as some households face constraints related to time, income, health, and self-confidence, limiting their full participation in network activities.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: Bonding social capital reflects the Buddhist principle of spiritual friendship (Kalyāṇamitta), which plays a key role in fostering trust and a sense of belonging within the community. It also aligns with the Brahmavihāra principles of loving-kindness (Mettā) and compassion (Karuṇā), emphasizing non-judgmental support and a balanced way of living in accordance with the Middle Way. Meanwhile, bridging and linking social capital align with the principle of Saṅgahavatthu (Social Integration), which facilitates connections among individuals with diverse statuses, groups, and roles. This, in turn, promotes shared resource use, constructive communication, and collaborative action for the common good. As a result, knowledge, community resources, and economic opportunities can circulate more effectively and meaningfully. However, unequal access to social capital reflects underlying structural constraints, consistent with the principle of the Four Noble Truths concerning the causes of suffering (Samudaya), which arise not solely from individual conditions but are shaped by broader structural contexts of household livelihoods.

Conclusions: Social capital serves as a key mechanism for reducing rural household vulnerability, particularly when designed and mobilized in alignment with local community contexts and grounded in Buddhist principles. Integrating Buddhist perspectives into the conceptualization of social capital provides a lens for understanding it as a dynamic and interactive process shaped through practice and participation. This process fosters mutual support and collective learning, thereby enhancing the community's capacity to sustainably alleviate suffering. This study contributes to advancing knowledge on social capital in Buddhist community contexts and offers policy implications for grassroots economic development that emphasize sustainability, equity, and the inclusion of vulnerable households.

References

Bhandari, S. & Alonge, O. (2020). Measuring the resilience of health systems in low- and middle-income countries: a focus on community resilience. Health Research Policy and System, 18, 81. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-020-00594-w.

Cox, E. (1995). The 1995 Boyer Lectures: A Truly Civil Society. Sydney, Australia: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Department for International Development. (1999). Sustainable livelihoods guidance sheets. London, United Kingdom: Department for International Development.

Jansukar, C., Deoisres, W. & Praditsil, C. (2025). The Relationship between Community Capital and Community Strength in the Special Economic Zone Area of Sakaeo Province. Journal of Liberal Arts Maejo University, 13(1), 100-112.

Kaewthip, K., Phrasuthirattanapundit & Srithong, K. (2020). The Model of Poverty Eradication for Sustainable Development Goals of Community in Chiang Rai Province. Journal of MCU Peace Studies, 8(1), 336-347.

Leadwiwatchaiyaporn, S., Supaphol, S., Someran, L. & Homcheun, P. (2024). Economic factor and social capital affecting the quality of life of people in a sub-district municipality in Suphanburi province. RMUTSB Academic Journal (HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES), 9(1), 30-47.

Lee, J. (2019). Bonding and bridging social capital and their associations with self-evaluated community resilience: A comparative study of East Asia. Journal of Community & Applied Social psychology, 30(1), 31-44.

Narongchai, W. & Chumnanmak, R. (2019). Livelihood capital of urban farmer households in Kranuan District, Khon Kaen Province. Journal of Liberal Arts Prince of Songkla University, 11(1), 179-203.

Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. (2025). Poverty & Inequality Report 2024. Bangkok, Thailand: Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council.

Olaleye, B., Efuntade, A., Anifowose, O. & Efuntade, O. (2021). Social Capital and its Influence on Poverty Reduction Among Rural Households in Ogun State, Nigeria. AIUB Journal of Business and Economics, 17(1), 1-26.

Panday, S., Rushton, S., Karki, J., Balen, J. & Barnes, A. (2021). The role of social capital in disaster resilience in remote communities after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 55, 102112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102112.

Pharcharuen, W., Techatanminasakul, S., Saengsupho, S. & Naprathansuk, N. (2022). Knowledge Management on Social Capital for Strengthening Local Communities with Participation of Civil Society in Pa Miang Subdistrict Municipality Area Doi Saket District Chiang Mai Province. Dhammathas Academic Journal, 22(2), 1-20.

Phatchaney, K. & Chamaratana, T. (2018). Urbanization Impact toward Capital Assets Accession and Holding of Labor Households in Khon Kaen Peri-Urban. Suratthani Rajabhat Journal, 5(2), 101-125.

Phrapalad Prapoj Supabhato, Phramaha Prakasit Sirimedho & Rungmuang, T. (2020). Social Capital and Community Development Wat Samrong, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Journal of MCU Peace Studies, 8(3), 828-840.

Putnam, R. D., Leonardi, R. & Nonetti, R. Y. (1993). Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy. Princeton, United States of America: Princeton University Press.

R1. (2024). Buddhist Social Capital. (Panomjan, N., Interviewer).

R2. (2024). Buddhist Social Capital. (Panomjan, N., Interviewer).

Santayot, C., Watawanichkul, N., Rattanapian, J., Banjong, A. & Watanyukunakorn, T. (2023). Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Management at Ban Huai Hom, Huai Hom Sub-district, Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Review (JHSSR), 25(2), 170-185.

Slijper, T., Urquhart, J., Poortvliet, P. M., Soriano, B. & Meuwissen, M. P. M. (2022). Exploring how social capital and learning are related to the resilience of Dutch arable farmers. Agricultural Systems, 198, 103385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103385.

Solomon, P. (2023). Can cooperatives be a tool for poverty reduction? Social capital perspectives of fisher's cooperatives in India. Marine Policy, 147, 105373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105373.

Su, F., Song, N., Ma, N., Sultanaliev, A., Ma, J., Xue, B. & Fahad, S. (2021). An Assessment of Poverty Alleviation Measures and Sustainable Livelihood Capability of Farm Households in Rural China: A Sustainable Livelihood Approach. Agriculture, 11(12), 1230. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11121230.

Tagalo, R. D. (2020). How does government discourse make people vulnerable? Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 29(5), 697-710.

Waarts, Y. R., Janssen, V., Aryeetey, R., Onduru, D., Heriyanto, D., Tin Aprillya, S., N'Guessan, A., Courbois, L., Bakker, D. & Ingram, V. J. (2021). Multiple pathways towards achieving a living income for different types of smallholder tree-crop commodity farmers. Food Security, 13, 1467-1496. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-021-01220-5.

Woolcock, M. (1998). Social capital and economic development: Toward a theoretical synthesis and policy framework. Theory and Society, 27, 151-208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006884930135.

Yinus, S., Zainal, S., Jalil, F. & Sari, C. M. A. (2020). CORRELATION OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND POVERTY FARMERS IN ACEH. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews, 8(1), 20-26.

Zhang, Y. & Zhao, W. (2024). Social capital's role in mitigating economic vulnerability: Understanding the impact of income disparities on farmers' livelihoods. World Development, 177, 106515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.106515.