A Study of Living Behavior in Accordance with the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy of the People in Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province
Abstract:
This study aimed to: 1) examine the living behaviors based on the Philosophy of
Sufficiency Economy of the people in Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province, 2) compare these behaviors by gender, age, occupation, and annual income; and 3) explore opinions and suggestions regarding these behaviors. The sample consisted of two groups: 381 respondents selected through simple random sampling to complete a questionnaire and 15 key informants chosen via purposive sampling for structured interviews. Research instruments included a 5-point rating scale questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.98 and a structured interview guide. Data analysis involved frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypotheses were tested using F-tests, and significant differences were further analyzed using Scheffé's method, with a significance level set at 0.05 The findings revealed that:
1. The overall living behaviors of the people in Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province, based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, were at a high level. When examined by specific aspects, the average scores for all six dimensions were also high. The highest- scoring dimension was thriftiness, followed by expense reduction, livelihood sustainability, natural resource and environmental conservation, and mutual care and generosity. The dimension with the lowest average score was income generation.
2. The comparison of living behaviors based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy among the people in Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province, categorized by gender, age, and occupation, showed no significant differences overall, thus rejecting the initial
hypothesis. However, significant differences were found based on annual income, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level.
3. The study revealed several suggestions for promoting living behaviors based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy among the people in Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province: 1) To reduce expenses, households should grow homegrown vegetables for consumption, with support provided to those facing challenges, 2) For income generation, full use of agricultural land should be encouraged, with guidance on integrated farming from government officers and vocational training for the unemployed, 3) To promote thriftiness, households should be encouraged to save and join community savings cooperatives, 4) Livelihood sustainability can be supported by preserving local wisdom, traditions, and customs, 5) Environmental conservation efforts should include campaigns to protect rivers and canals, maintain community cleanliness, and organize regular tree-planting activities, and 6) Mutual care and generosity should be fostered by supporting disadvantaged individuals through the establishment of a community welfare fund to assist those in need.