Fostering Happiness and Enhancing Quality of Life through Balanced and Appropriate Community Participation: A Case Study of Klong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to examine the current conditions and potential of Klong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, and 2) to promote community happiness and enhance the quality of life in a balanced and appropriate manner. The study involved 25 participants from Klong Nam Sai Subdistrict, utilizing Participatory Action Research (PAR) to foster community participation throughout the research process. The findings revealed that Klong Nam Sai Subdistrict is located along the border of the Kingdom of Cambodia and is administratively divided into 12 villages. The area features sloping land and foothill plains with fertile clay and sandy loam soil. The subdistrict has abundant water resources and is suitable for integrated agriculture, including crop farming and fruit orchards. Its border location also facilitates ongoing cross-border trade. A SWOT analysis indicated that the community possesses four key areas of potential: 1) geographic and environmental resources, 2) community management capacity, 3) community activities and processes, and 4) levels of community participation. The initiatives aimed to promote happiness and enhance quality of life by organizing activities that improved living conditions and increased community income. These included the development of environmentally friendly, textile-based products that represent the community’s cultural uniqueness. The implementation generated tangible outputs, outcomes, and impacts across three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental.