ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLE OF SAPPAYA IN THE SALAMICHAI COMMUNITY, NAI MUEANG SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

Background and Objective: At present, Thailand has developed more scientific and technological advancements to facilitate the convenience of its people by using natural resources and the environment without maintaining and developing them to remain in good condition as before. Day by day, the situation is getting more and more severe, affecting the people's livelihood and the state of the environment around them, both material and intangible, namely nature that is still dependent on each other; Humans rely on nature from nature's production and creating balance in this world according to the laws of the universe. According to Buddhism, the importance of nature in dependence was expressed in the terms "Ramaniyathana Bang Sappaya" and "Dhamma Ram. " These words indicate that material nature and living things are directly and indirectly related to each other. Physically livable places affect the creation of good feelings and emotions in humans in a relational manner. The natural environment is the source of fundamental factors for human life. Since the Salamichai community is a large community located in the city area of ​​Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, it is considered a frontier community of Nakhon Si Thammarat. There are houses built close together densely. Environmental problems in the community have been continuously worsening. The community lacks space to relax and breathe fresh air and suffers from air pollution caused by heavy traffic. Based on the background and importance mentioned, the researcher is interested in conducting this study to develop the Salamichai community. To create a community with an environment that follows the principles of development based on the principle of Sappaya (Well-being).

Methodology: This was a mixed-method research study. The contents consist of 4 aspects: Awaasappàya abode supply, Puggalasappàya personal supply, Ahaarasappàya food supply, and Dhammasappàya Dhamma supply. The data were analyzed from questionnaires and interviews. Data were collected from 298 questionnaires out of a total population of 1,323 people, and in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants, divided into four groups: 1) Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality executives, five people; 2) Salamichai community leaders, five people; 3) Salamichai temple abbots/monks, five people; and 4) Salamichai community representatives, five people, totaling 20 individuals.

Main Results: The study found that the environmental development based on the principle of Sappaya (Well-being) of Salamichai community, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, involves applying all four aspects of Sappaya (Well-being) as the main guideline for community environmental management and can be synthesized into a knowledge model that leads to the process of environmental development that was stable, prosperous, and sustainable.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The Buddhist principles used in environmental development of Salamichai community, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, were four aspects of Sappaya (Well-being): Awaasappàya development of suitable housing; Puggalasappàya development of a suitable social environment; Ahaarasappàya development of appropriate and convenient consumption, and Dhammasappàya development of posture, which aligned with the principles of Buddhism and sustainable development.

Conclusions: The environmental development of the Salamichai community was carried out based on the principles of Sappaya (Well-being), emphasizing cleanliness, greenery, and a peaceful living environment. Local residents joined forces to improve public spaces, temples, and homes harmoniously with cultural traditions and nature. As a result, the community achieved a sustainable physical and mental balance.