Buddhist Community Innovators: A Model for Quality of Life Development to Enhance the Grassroots Economy and Reduce Inequality among Ethnic Communities in Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) examine models of quality of life development for enhancing the grassroots economy and reducing inequality among ethnic communities in Chiang Mai Province; 2) develop a quality of life development model to strengthen the grassroots economy and reduce inequality among ethnic communities in Chiang Mai Province; and 3) cultivate Buddhist community innovators to enhance the grassroots economy and reduce inequality among ethnic communities in Chiang Mai Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, integrating qualitative research and participatory action research (PAR) approaches.

The research found that:

1. The study of quality of life development models for enhancing the grassroots economy and reducing inequality indicated that: 1) a quality of life development training model was established by utilizing cultural capital, traditions, and customs of the Karen (Pgakenyau) people as income-generating resources; 2) community-based product development and supplementary livelihood models were developed; and 3) tourism and learning-site development models were implemented, including herbal forest trails, coffee farms, herbal drying houses, a simulated tribal village, and mural paintings at the Karen Studies Center.
2. The development of quality of life and grassroots economic enhancement models to reduce inequality resulted in: 1) training programs that promoted knowledge and education; 2) training initiatives to strengthen the grassroots economy through sustainable livelihood development; 3) the establishment of participatory mechanisms and community-based management systems; (d) the reduction of inequality through improved access to rights and social welfare; and (e) the integration of government policies with community potential.
3. The development of Buddhist community innovators for enhancing the grassroots economy and reducing inequality resulted in the cultivation of 20 Buddhist community innovators. These innovators participated in training programs focused on livelihood development, grassroots economic enhancement, and quality of life improvement grounded in Buddhist principles and sustainable development concepts.