The Integration of Buddhist Principles to Promote Right Livelihood in Phraek Sa Mai Sub-district Community, Muang District, Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) Examine the problems and occupational needs of the community in Phraek Sa Mai Subdistrict. 2) Study the Buddhist principles for promoting sustainable livelihoods in the community. 3) Propose an integrated model of Buddhist principles to promote sustainable community livelihoods. This was a mixed-methods research study conducted in Phraek Sa Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province. The study involved 384 participants as the general population/sample group, and 25 key informants. Data collection tools included semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The results were presented in tables accompanied by narrative descriptions. Research findings: 1) The problems and occupational needs of the Phraek Sa Mai community were at a high level (x̄ = 4.05). The most significant problem lies in financial and investment issues (x̄ = 4.13), particularly the lack of capital for occupational activities (x̄ = 4.37). The need for sustainable livelihood promotion was also at a high level (x̄ = 4.40), with the highest priority being access to low-interest funding sources (x̄ = 4.62). 2) The Buddhist principles suitable for promoting sustainable community livelihoods consist of five core principles under the Diṭṭhadhammikattha (benefits visible in this life) framework: Uṭṭhānasampadā (diligence in work), Ārakkhasampadā (protection of acquired wealth), Kalyāṇamittatā (having good friends), and Samajīvitā (balanced living). Supporting principles include Right Livelihood (Sammā-ājīva), the four ways of wealth distribution (Bhogavibhāga 4), distinguishing true and false friends, and contentment (Santosa). 3) The integrated model of Buddhist principles for promoting sustainable livelihoods—developed by the researcher—was called the WISDOM Model, comprising:W – Work Diligently I – Income Management (wise income management) S – Social Networking (building social networks) D – Discipline in Living O – Organizing Community M – Mindful Development. Evaluation by experts revealed that the WISDOM Model was rated as highly appropriate (x̄ = 4.68) and highly feasible for implementation (x̄ = 4.44). This model represented new knowledge that can be applied to promote sustainable community livelihoods in alignment with Thai Buddhist culture.