Peaceful Community Attributes: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Public Perspectives in Pattani, Thailand

Abstract

This study examined the definition and characteristics of a Peaceful Community in Pattani Province and confirmed its structural components from residents’ perspectives. A mixed-methods design was employed. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, including local government administrators, community leaders, SBPAC officials, and community development scholars, complemented by an eight-person expert focus group. The quantitative phase surveyed 150 residents aged 20–60 using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected via a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of .812 and analyzed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using JASP. The findings indicate that the characteristics of a Peaceful Community in the context of Pattani Province comprise five dimensions, which are strongly supported by empirical data (χ² = 158.312, df = 96, p < .001, χ²/df = 1.649, CFI = 1.015, TLI = 1.137, RMSEA = 0.038, SRMR = 0.053) with factor loadings ranging from 0.84 to 0.93. The dimensions, in order of descending factor loadings, are as follows: 1) Leadership (0.93), with key indicators including vision and legitimacy, ethics, and moral authority; 2) Emotional (0.92), with key indicators including self-awareness and understanding of others, acceptance and understanding of social and cultural diversity, and connection to local belief systems; 3) Intellectual (0.91), with key indicators including commitment to non-violence and the use of peaceful conflict management processes and mechanisms; 4) Physical and Economic (0.89), with key indicators including income security, economic participation, self-reliance, access to physical infrastructure, and equitable access to public health services; and 5) Social (0.84), with key indicators including comprehensive participation in development processes, social awareness and collective action, acceptance of diversity and peaceful coexistence, and social interdependence. These findings provide an empirical framework for developing and evaluating Peaceful Communities specifically in Pattani Province.

This study defines peaceful communities as social units characterized by harmonious coexistence, respect for diversity, unity, reconciliation, and equality. These communities adopt non-violent conflict resolution and rely on internal mechanisms that promote collective security and stability. Five dimensions serve as core indicators: (1) Physical—economic security; (2) Social—inclusivity, equality, participation, support, and shared values; (3) Spiritual—self-awareness, empathy, and cultural faith; (4) Intellectual—non-violent problem-solving and adaptability; and (5) Leadership—peace-driven leadership that fosters unity. This multidimensional framework is particularly applicable to Pattani Province and other Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, where promoting peaceful communities is essential for long-term conflict resolution, social integration, and sustainable development.