Analysis of Half/half Co-payment Project through the Concept of Sufficiency Economy

Abstract

The situation of the COVID-19 epidemic is extensively affecting the Thai economy and the well-being of the people. Thus, the government has sought measures to maintain the level of domestic consumption. One of the projects is the half-half co-payment scheme, which aims at restoring the economy at the grassroots level for small entrepreneurs, especially street vendors, to generate more income from product sales. To support the success of such a project by the government and show how it enables people to alleviate their distress during this time of crisis, this paper analyses the half/half co-payment scheme using the notion of systems analysis of sufficiency economy. The analysis results show that the sufficiency economy philosophy consists of moderation, rationality, and self-immunity. Regarding knowledge and ethical integrity, the input of knowledge (necessary condition)is important for both the government and the people to adapt themselves to the New Normal; as for ethical integrity (sufficiency condition), the government is not corrupt, and it is responsible for the people. The people do not cheat but share things with the others who are in more need. These conditions lead to the way of thinking about moderation, self-reliance, and a way of living through savings by both the government and the people, and they will finally lead to the product of the process (output). Consequently, the people can adapt and cooperate with the government. The benefits obtained from the outcome are that the people can alleviate their trouble, and the community stores can carry on their activities. For the impact, the government can stimulate the economy to a certain extent, and the people can reduce their suffering and stress, which enable the economy to continue.