The Study Of Living Behevior According To The Phiosophy Of Sufficiency Economy Of The People. Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) study living behavior based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, 2) compare living behavior according to the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy categorized by gender, age, occupation, and annual income, and 3) provide recommendations regarding living behavior based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. The sample consisted of 381 residents of Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province, selected through simple random sampling. Key informants included 15 individuals, such as the subdistrict headman, community leaders, and village heads. Research instruments included a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of .98 and an interview guide. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test (One-way ANOVA), and inductive content analysis.
The research findings revealed that:
1. Overall, living behavior based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy was rated at a high level ( = 3.64, S.D. = 0.64). When examined by aspects, the highest-rated aspect was saving, followed by reducing expenses, daily living, natural resource and environmental conservation, generosity, and increasing income.
2. Comparisons of living behavior based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy by gender, age, and occupation showed no significant differences, leading to the rejection of the hypothesis. However, differences in behavior based on annual income were statistically significant at the .05 level, supporting the hypothesis.
3. Recommendations for living behavior based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy include: reducing expenses by planting kitchen gardens, fully utilizing agricultural land, promoting savings and cooperative participation, preserving local traditions, protecting the environment, and establishing welfare funds to support underprivileged members of the community.