SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY LEARNING CENTER

Abstract

          This is an R&D research having the following objectives: 1) to study the basic information and need to establish Sufficient Economy Learning Center in Chaiyaphum province, a case study on Suan Dharma Practice Center (Tor Thai Santitham Medication Park), Ban Nong Ya Plong, Na Fai sub-district, Muang Chaiyaphum district; 2) to develop a management model of the center; 3) to try out the model developed; and 4) to assess and improve the management model developed of the center. The research area took place in Ban Nong Ya Plong community, Na Fai sub-district, Muang Chaiyaphum district, Chaiyaphum province. The population studied consisted of 11,832 heads of local administrative organizations, monks, teachers, community leaders, local sages, chiefs or representatives of various groups and villagers.  The sample group consisted of 373 persons.  The tools used consisted of the questionnaire asking opinions on basic information, needs, and management of the center; recording forms, group dialogue, in-depth interview and expert inquiry.  The quantitative data were analyzed with frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation, while the qualitative were done with content analysis.

            The results of this research appeared that: 1) most people in the area engaged in agriculture and livestock, living lives following the principles of the Philosophy of Sufficient Economy and always seeking new knowledge; 2) the management model developed of the center was CIPTHE Model composing 6 sup-factors namely Community, Identity, Participation, Technology, Human wisdom and Economy; 3) the try-out of the model was found the development model needed to be conducted harmonizing with the traditional moral-merged knowledge, compatible with way of life of the locals, not partially split due to every component associated with their living; and 4) the assessment and improvement of the center gained the high scoring.