BUDDHIST INTEGRATION IN CSR POLICY FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF KHANOM POWER PLANT NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

Khanom Power Plant in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is the largest electricity business organization in southern Thailand and plays a crucial role in the nation’s energy security. However, it carries potential risks that may impact society, local communities, and the environment. Therefore, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies serve as a vital tool in managing negative impacts and fostering positive community relations. This academic article aims to propose an approach for integrating the Buddhist principles of Saraniyadhamma 6 to integrate with Khanom Power Plant’s CSR policies, in order to enhance community quality of life and strengthen resilience in line with Buddhist ways of living. The six principles of Saraniyadhamma serve as driving factors, namely: Metta-kayakamma (expressing goodwill through bodily actions), Metta-vacikamma (expressing goodwill through speech), Metta-manokamma (expressing goodwill through thought), Sadharanabhogi (fair sharing of benefits for communal harmony), Sila-samannata (equitable interaction under law and morality), and Ditthi-samannata (shared perspectives on development based on wisdom and reason). The “Buddhist Integration” approach in supporting CSR activities at Khanom Power Plant illustrates a modern business paradigm in which organizational objectives extend beyond profit-making to encompass accountability to society, communities, and stakeholders. It promotes sustainable community growth in both physical and mental dimensions. Moreover, this integration may serve as a model for other energy industries in balancing economic development with social responsibility