IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING WAT KHUHASAWAN, MUEANG DISTRICT, PHATTHALUNG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) Study the quality of life level, and 2) Examine recommendations for improving the quality of life of vulnerable groups in the communities around Wat Khuha Sawan, Mueang District, Phatthalung Province. This study employed a mixed - methods approach. 1)The qualitative research, in - depth interviews were conducted with 28 key informants, including 1 community development officer, 5 local leaders, 5 community leaders representing 5 communities, 3 healthcare personnel in the area, 5 Buddhist monks from Wat Khuha Sawan Royal Temple, and 9 local residents. Data were analyzed through categorization, systematization, synthesis, and presented descriptively. and 2) The quantitative research, the sample consisted of 379 residents in the administrative area of Phatthalung Town Municipality. Statistical analyses utilized percentages, means, and standard deviations. The research instruments included questionnaires and interview forms. The findings revealed that: 1) The quality of life of vulnerable groups in the communities around Wat Khuha Sawan was at a moderate level ( = 2.89). The domain with the highest mean score was reducing risks from natural disasters and climate change ( = 3.10), followed by building adequate and appropriate social protection for all age groups ( = 3.04), human development for the modern world ( = 2.83), and targeted intergenerational poverty eradication ( = 2.59), respectively. and 2) The recommendations suggest focusing on building self - reliance capacity, developing occupations and income, promoting lifelong learning and digital skills, developing proactive social protection systems, and strengthening readiness to cope with natural disasters and climate change through multi - sectoral cooperation. Furthermore, the temple should serve as a central hub for integrated community development to sustainably elevate the quality of life of vulnerable groups.