DEVELOPMENT OF SAMAGGI - DHAMMA IN COMMUNITY WELFARE MANAGEMENT NETWORK IN SRA KAEW PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to examine the challenges in welfare provision for female informal workers in communities, apply the principle of solidarity to establish welfare networks for female informal workers, and promote public awareness of this approach in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. The study employs a mixed-method research design. The quantitative research involved a sample of 372 individuals, while the qualitative research included in-depth interviews with 30 key informants. The findings reveal that welfare provision for female informal workers faces numerous challenges, including a lack of protection for safety and health benefits, inability to access social security rights due to labor laws not covering informal workers, limited access to legally mandated services, absence of labor union organization, and inadequate skill development opportunities. The application of the principle of solidarity in establishing welfare networks for female informal workers in communities has proven effective in addressing these issues and fostering group organization for better negotiation power. Public awareness and dissemination of this approach involved collaboration with various organizations, such as the Ministry of Labor, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF), Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization), National Health Security Office (NHSO), Friends of Women Foundation, Informal Workers Coordination Center, and the Foundation for Labor and Employment Promotion. These entities provide support and oversight for informal workers.