PROMOTING RECONCILIATION FOR THE AVERAGE SUFFERING AND HAPPINESS OF THE UNDERPRIVILEGED IN THE COMMUNITY OF BANG MAE NANG SUBDISTRICT NONTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research were: 1. Explore the database of disadvantaged individuals; 2. Promote community networking activities to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals; and 3. Assess the quality of life and activities promoting harmony among disadvantaged groups in Bang Mae Nang Subdistrict, Nonthaburi Province. A mixed-methods research approach was used. Qualitative research collected data from two groups of key informants: Group 1, disadvantaged individuals from 11 villages, totaling 55 people. and Group 2, individuals related to the disadvantaged, totaling 18 people, This research employed in-depth interviews, content analysis, and quantitative research methods. The sample consisted of People of Bang Mae Nang Subdistrict 395 individuals involved with disadvantaged groups. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The research findings that: 1. The database of disadvantaged individuals includes disadvantages related to average income not matching the cost of living, housing (needing home repairs), equitable access to disability rights, and unstable employment. and basic assistance. 2. Activities to assist underprivileged individuals in Bang Mae Nang Subdistrict include home visits by village health volunteers, the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the subdistrict head, and village heads; assistance with basic necessities; and peer support programs where neighbors help with transportation to medical care. In terms of housing improvements and traditional and religious activities, a multi-sectoral network aims to share joys and sorrows, foster harmony, and concretely reduce the isolation of disadvantaged individuals; and 3. The overall assessment of quality of life and harmony activities from local networks and assistance for disadvantaged individuals in Bang Mae Nang Subdistrict, Nonthaburi Province, was at a high level, ranked as follows: The most important aspect was the functioning of local networks, followed by basic quality of life, continuity of activities, mental and social security, and the least important was equality in access to assistance, respectively.