Upgrading the community economy to moral economy for sustainable development of Bang Sa Kaeo Community Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi Province.

Abstract

This research aimed to; 1) study the conditions of the community economic system of Bang Sa Kaeo Community; (2) study and develop learning processes and the transmission of the community economic system toward a moral economy of Bang Sa Kaeo Community; and (3) propose a model for upgrading the community economy toward a moral economy for the sustainable development of Bang Sa Kaeo Community. The study employed a qualitative research methodology with 25 participants. The data collection instruments consisted of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and the data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research findings revealed that:

1) Bang Sra Kaeo Community is a small but strong community that emphasizes kinship-based living and social solidarity. A roadside market has been developed from the past to the present and has become the “Si Mum Meru Market,” which helps generate income and promote the community economy.

2) The development of learning processes and the transmission of the community economy toward a moral economy system of Bang Sa Kaeo Community relies on local sages as strong and effective best practices. This contributes to the sustainable development of the community economy toward a moral economy. The tools used for community development include community forums, household accounting, and community plans.

3) The community economy model toward a moral economy of Bang Sa Kaeo Community can be divided into four dimensions as follows: (1) financial and welfare organizations, (2) community economy (3) agriculture and the environment and (4) social and cultural dimensions of community communication