PROMOTING AND DEVELOPING COMMUNITY WELL-BEING IN PATTANI PROVINCE COASTAL AREAS

Abstract

This study aimed to promote and develop mutual community welfare in the coastal areas of Pattani Province, Thailand. Using an action research methodology combined with in-depth interviews and participant observation, data were collected from 36 key informants across four coastal fishing communities through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed by categorical organization, coding, interpretation, and systematic compilation. The findings revealed that communities in Pattani's coastal areas have developed welfare systems through a five-step participatory process: 1) surveying existing mutual welfare provisions, 2) examining state-provided welfare services, 3) analyzing outstanding mutual welfare models, 4) conducting participatory community analysis, and 5) implementing community welfare promotion and development. Three distinct development patterns were identified: prototype groups, development extension groups, and startup groups. Critical success factors included effective coordination by community leaders, the use of occupational groups and community enterprises as mechanisms, the development of self-reliance systems through continuous learning, and government support. This study recommends that government agencies promote community welfare development using participatory approaches as fundamental strategies, enabling communities to demonstrate their potential and achieve sustainable self-reliance.