Community Participation Development in the Development of Morality Based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province Community Participation Development in the Development of Morality Based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the participation of the community of right occupation in developing morality according to the philosophy of sufficiency economy in Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province and to propose guidelines for developing such participation. This research used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 20 key informants, consisting of village headmen, village headmen, community committees, executives of sub-district administrative organizations, community developers, school directors or representatives, abbots/monks, and local scholars. The research results found that 1) the participation of the community of right occupation in developing morality according to the philosophy of sufficiency economy covers 4 aspects: decision-making, brainstorming and allocating resources together, promoting basic morality; practice, conducting activities that are consistent with the community context, such as organic farming and environmental conservation; benefit, distributing income fairly through community mechanisms; and evaluation, having a participatory and auditable evaluation system, resulting in sustainable moral development. 2) Development guidelines include promoting participation in decision-making through public forums and digital technology, supporting practices that are appropriate for the context, distributing benefits equally, and conducting transparent and continuous evaluations, reflecting the true integration of morality with community participation.