UPGRADING WASTE-FREE COMMUNITIES ACCORDING TO BUDDHIST METHODS FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT BY USING COMMUNITY-BASED COMMUNITIES IN KHON KAEN MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) Study zero-waste communities in sustainable livable city development using a community-based approach in Khon Kaen Municipality, 2) Develop the upgrading of zero-waste communities according to Buddhist methods for sustainable livable city development using a community-based approach in Khon Kaen Municipality, and 3) Disseminate the upgrading of zero-waste communities according to Buddhist methods for sustainable livable city development using a community-based approach in Khon Kaen Municipality. This mixed-methods research collected quantitative data from 398 citizens using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire with content validity between 0.80 - 1.00 and reliability of 0.875, and qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 30 stakeholders, including local leaders, community leaders, and citizens in Khon Kaen Municipality area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and One Group Pretest-Posttest Design using dependent samples t-test and descriptive content analysis. The research findings revealed that 1) Citizens demonstrated high readiness for zero-waste community development, with 89.2% having knowledge of waste management, 91.5% agreeing with the zero-waste community concept, and 95.0% willing to participate. 2) The Buddhist method-based community upgrading model comprised the application of the Six Saraniya Dhamma (Principles of Cordiality), and Seven Aparihaniyadhamma (Conditions of Welfare), integrated with the 3Rs principles and modern technology. and 3) The model implementation results showed that mean opinion scores significantly increased from 3.85 to 4.63 (p < .05). The recommendations are to strengthen comprehensive waste management systems, integrate technology, develop community leaders, and expand collaborative networks.