Development of Creative Buddhist Grass Roots Economy of Wat Hat Mun Krabue Community, Mueang Phichit District, Phichit Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the potential of the Buddhist grassroots economy of Wat Hat Mun Krabue community; 2) to promote the creative grassroots economy of Wat Hat Mun Krabue community; and 3) to develop the creative Buddhist grassroots economy of Wat Hat Mun Krabue community. It was an action research. For qualitative research, data collection techniques were used with key informants using purposive sampling from an occupational group in the five groups of Wat Hat Mun Krabue community.  The tools used were an in-depth interview, semi-structured interview form, group discussion recording form, and a set of activities for the creative Buddhist grassroots economic development process. The results of the research found that 1) for the potential of the Buddhist grassroots economy of Wat Hat Mun Krabue community, Mueang Phichit District, Phichit Province, there were inheritance and conservation of cultural heritage by adding value. Income was generated for the people in the area by using the temple as a center to drive the economic system through various traditions related to the temple, Nan River, and forest resources; 2) in terms of promoting creative grassroots economy of Wat Hat Mun Krabue community, Mueang Phichit District, Phichit Province, a business plan for the community, Business Model Canvas (CBMC), has been created. There were a business model for the community, an action plan used for community businesses, and a work calendar for use in controlling the work according to the goals of the community as well as a promotion of the community's creative grassroots economy according to the TERMS MODEL framework in which the community will be self-reliant; and 3) there was the development of the Buddhist grassroots economy of  Wat Hat Mun Krabue community, Mueang Phichit District, Phichit Province to drive the grassroots economy system by creating community networks connecting various professions. There was an application of Buddhist concepts using the temple as the center to push it to become a Buddhist cultural tourist destination to stimulate the economic growth of Wat Hat Mun Krabue community.