PEOPLE’S QUALITY OF LIFE DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY PHILOSOPHY OF LAO KWUAN SUB-DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION IN LAO KWUAN DISTRICT, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To examine the quality of life of people based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy; 2. To study the relationship between Buddhist principles and people’s quality of life; and 3. To propose the integration of Buddhist principles to enhance the quality of life of residents according to the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy of the Lao Kwan Sub-District Administrative Organization. This study employed a mixed-methods. The quantitative research collected data from a sample of 380 residents using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The qualitative research collected data through in-depth interviewing Key informants included Buddhist scholars or practitioners, executives or assistant executives of the Lao Kwan Sub-District Administrative Organization, public administration scholars or practitioners, and community leaders, totaling nine key informants. Data were analyzed using content descriptive interpretation.

The findings revealed that 1. The overall quality of life under the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was at a high level (=4.40, S.D.=0.38) with all dimensions-reasonableness, moderation, immunity, knowledge, and morality-also at high levels. The highest mean was found in reasonableness. 2. The Fourfold Bhavana, physical, moral, wisdom, and mental development had a positive and statistically significant correlation with quality of life (p < 0.01). The highest correlation was found in knowledge, followed by immunity, reasonableness, moderation, and morality. Among the Bhavana components, the ranking from highest to lowest was: kaya-bhavana, sila-bhavana, panya-bhavana, and citta-bhavana. 3. the integrating Bhavana 4 into quality-of-life development fostered an ethical and philosophical framework that promoted balanced and sustainable growth, encouraged reasonableness, discipline, social responsibility, and continuous learning, and highlights the importance of community participation in achieving long-term, meaningful improvements in quality of life.