THE LESSON LEARNED FROM ENCOURAGING SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY PHILOSOPHY HUAIKHAYENG COMMUNITY, THONG PHA PHOOM, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research is aimed to study the role of sufficiency economy philosophy and different types of practices carried out since 2003 by Huaikhayeng community, Thong Pha Phoom, Kanchanaburi province. The researcher utilized ex post facto research, in depth Interview and Group Discussion as research tools. The study found that the community has worked under bottoms up pattern allowing the locals to play a part in encouraging sufficiency economy in the community and cooperate with local councils. The council was established as “open council” welcoming members from both official and non-official selection processes to work following the targeted goals. The council was financially and informatively supported by both public and private organizations. There are 3 main areas that the community is responsible for: economic development, environmental development and morality encouragement. Concerning with economic development, the community has established the project namely “Sufficiency Economy Family” and persuades the locals to join by supporting livestock, and crop seeds to create income and decrease domestic spending among the locals. This study has been carefully conducted with systematic community research processes as well as strict mutual agreements among the community members. These are all key factors leading to the success of the project and the community in encouraging sufficiency economy philosophy.