COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT BASED ON SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY PHILOSOPHY OF BANNA MUNICIPALITY AT BANNA DISTRICT IN NAKHON NAYOK PROVINCE BY APPLYING BUDDHADHAMMA

Abstract

This research article aimed: 1. To study the level of community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of Ban Na Sub-District Municipality, Ban Na District, Nakhon Nayok Province; 2. To examine the relationship between Buddhist principles and community management under the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy; and 3. To propose community management approaches grounded in the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy through the application of Buddhist principles. The study employed a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.987 from a sample of 362 participants, determined by Taro Yamane’s formula. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 10 key informants using a structured in-depth-interview script with open-ended questions, and content analysis was conducted to support the quantitative findings.

The research results revealed that: 1. The overall level of community management based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was high (=4.38, S.D.=0.497). By aspect, the mean scores were as follows: Utthana-sampada (diligence and perseverance) (=4.50, S.D.=0.468). Kalyanamittata (association with good friends) (=4.37, S.D.=0.587), Samajivita (balanced living) (=4.33, S.D.=0.583), and Arakkha-sampada (prudence in saving and protection of property) (=4.32, S.D.=0.600). All were at a high level. 2. The overall relationship between the Ditthadhamma-attha-samvattanika-dhamma (Four Principles) and community development under the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was highly positive (r = 0.703**). 3. Community management under the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy through the application of Buddhist principles consisted of four key aspects: 3.1 Utthana-sampada, emphasizing diligence, perseverance, and goal orientation; 3.2 Arakkha-sampada promoting rational asset management, honesty, and sufficiency; 3.3 Kalyanamittata encouraging association with virtuous and moral people; and 3.4 Sammajivita fostering a moderate lifestyle, financial discipline, and honest work.