A MODEL FOR UPGRADING COMMUNITY PRODUCTS TOWARDS COMMUNITY PRODUCT STANDARDS (CPS) IN NOENKHAM DISTRICT, CHAINAT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) examine the current conditions, problems, and needs of community product development in Noen Kham District, Chai Nat Province, (2) analyze the factors contributing to the success of upgrading community products to the Community Product Standard (CPS), and (3) develop a model for upgrading community products toward CPS certification. The study employed a research and development (R&D) design, applying participatory research methods. The target groups included four community product enterprises: natural-dyed woven fabrics, textile upcycling, herbal products, and bamboo handicrafts, as well as community leaders and local development officers. Research instruments consisted of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Data were analyzed using content analysis and triangulation.
The research findings indicated that (1) the formation of entrepreneur groups was motivated by the use of leisure time to generate supplementary income and by the extension of local wisdom; however, there was a lack of knowledge in design and supporting technologies, and (2) the success factors included the stability of raw material supplies, the development of producers’ capacities, support from government agencies and educational institutions, as well as modern marketing, particularly through online channels; and (3) In developing the model for upgrading community products to meet the Community Product Standard (CPS), the process has been synthesized into the "Noen Kham CPS-Upgrading Model," which consists of 6 key steps: (1) Gap Audit—assessing weaknesses and readiness of community product groups; (2) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)—establishing systematic production recipes and methods to enhance quality; (3) Tooling—upgrading production tools and equipment to meet standards aligned with hygienic and quality control requirements; (4) Market/Packaging—developing marketing strategies and packaging to add value as well as to expand both offline and online sales channels; (5) Reflection—conducting review and lessons-learned workshops to promote collective learning and enable improvements within the community; and (6) Mock Audit & Scale-out—preparing for certification submission and expanding the gained experience to other groups within the area.
This study contributes both academically and practically by presenting a prototype process model that can be adapted and applied to other communities, thereby promoting the long-term sustainability of Thai community products.