APPROACH OF THE CULTIVATION OF ENLIGHTENED CITIZENS BASED ON SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

The objectives of this research are twofold: 1) to study the characteristics of enlightened citizens according to the sufficiency economy philosophy, and 2) to examine the approach for developing enlightened citizens based on the sufficiency economy philosophy. The research employs qualitative methods conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, informants consisted of 5 experts selected through purposive sampling, and a semi-structured interview served as the research instrument. The collected data underwent analysis through content analysis. In Phase 2, another set of 5 experts was chosen using purposive sampling, and a semi-structured interview was utilized as the research instrument. The data collected were also subjected to content analysis. The results revealed six characteristics of enlightened citizens according to the sufficiency economy philosophy: (1) being a good person with discipline, capable of leading a good and happy life; (2) possessing mental self-reliance and characteristics of a society and economy sufficient for a comfortable life; (3) demonstrating wisdom, true knowledge, prudence, and expertise according to one's aptitude; (4) exhibiting morality, honesty, integrity, and responsibility towards the public; (5) adhering to good decision-making principles, characterized by moderation and reasonableness; and (6) maintaining robust internal immunity in all four aspects, namely material immunity, social immunity, environmental immunity, and cultural immunity. Additionally, the approach to the cultivation of enlightened citizens based on the sufficiency economy philosophy comprises three main stages: school age emphasis on developing knowledge and mind by setting challenging situations for hands-on practice through classroom activities or integrating studies in various subjects, working age focus on developing their own potential according to the context of each individual's work duties by applying the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy to create the correct thought process. Additionally, workshops are organized to develop personnel and provide knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, and the elderly emphasize spiritual development through activities that integrate the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, fostering interaction between different age groups in the community.