THE REDUCTION OF INEQUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT A QUALITY OF LIFE FOR COMMUNITY BY THE KINGS PHILOSOPHY AND DHAMMIKATTHASANGWATTHANIKTAM

Abstract

This article aimed to study income inequality and the way to improve the quality of life of the community members through the King's Philosophy on sufficiency economy and Ditthadhammikatthasangwattanikkadhamma. The study revealed the causes of income inequality namely: 1) government imbalanced development policies; 2) increase in international trade levels due to trade liberalization; 3) technological advancement; 4) tax structures and tax incentives for people with high income. The aforementioned factors make people have different levels of income, and raise the number of people with low incomes increases dramatically. According to the study, applying the King's philosophy on sufficiency economy and the principle of Ditthadhammikatthasangwattanikkadhamma is the way to improve the quality of life as well as reduce income inequality. That is to say, the sufficiency economy guides people to live on the basis of the right livelihood—having moderation and sufficiency in life, self-reliance, carelessness, and not harming oneself and others.  The Ditthadhammikatthasangwattanikkadhamma suggests people use wisdom in living their lives, by starting from seeking Sammacheep (honest livelihood), using belonging carefully, associating with good friends who always provide good and beneficial advice, and living a life according to one's wealth. In conclusion, following the above principles help to develop the quality of life as well as reduce income inequality.