The Sufficiency Economy: The Fundamental of the Community Development in Thailand

One of the major challenge in which Thailand currently faces, is the poverty reduction. The gap between rich and poor is still high. In the North and North Eastern of Thailand, the poverty rate is still more than 10% compare to 8% of the country average. This research study, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s sufficiency economy concept, and the use of sufficiency economy concept in the community development in the rural area of Thailand. Baan Mai Santi Village is the poorest village of Soong-Neun, Nakon Rachasima province which is located in the North Eastern Part of Thailand. The purpose of this research is to investigate the economic and social information based on the sufficiency economy concept in order to develop the suggestion and community development plan. The interviews and focus groups were conducted in order to gain an in depth information about sufficiency economy practices and activities. The face to face interviews, focus groups and questionnaires have been conducted in the village in order to understand the economic and social situation. The community still lack of infrastructure (including water shortage) and management skill of training centres. The community would be benefit from land and water management, household financial management, the development of training centres in order to generate incomes.