Sufficiency Economy Research Articles

Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainable Zero Plastic Waste

Plastic wastes has become a global problem, and Thailand produces about two million tonnes of plastic waste per year, around 12% of total waste. The purpose of this article is to examine the causes of plastic waste in Thailand, to study the goals of Thailand’s Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management 2018-2030 and Master Plan on Solid Waste Management 2016-2021, to examine the SDGs Goal 12 regarding waste reduction and sustainable consumption and production, and to investigate the principles of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). Documentary study and literature review were used for data collection. Plastics waste and pollutions and inappropriate waste management have caused a lot of problems to people and communities and they cause contamination and residual cumulative impacts on the environment. The result showed that single-use plastics was a major factor of increasing plastic waste, especially during and after COVID-19, and inappropriate waste management has accounted for negative impacts on public well-being, communities, and environment. Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, when being applied to waste management, could play an important role in changing consumer’s behavior towards waste reduction because it influenced individuals to be aware of the impacts that their actions and consumptions may have on the environment, and subsequently their livelihoods. Thus, SEP will promote the ban of single-use plastic under the Roadmap, strengthen the waste management of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) under the Master Plan, and contribute to sustainable consumption and production under SDG Goal 12.

Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainable Food

Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture are the goals to be achieved by 2030 according to Sustainable Development Agenda. It aims to achieve the goals through increasing the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers which include indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers. The purpose of this article is to study causes of global hunger and SDGs Goal 2 for the guidelines of ending hunger and to suggest an aligning principle of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for solutions to hunger. Documentary study and literature review were used for data collection. It is found that Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), consistent with the SDG2 goal, has produced many best practices for the past two decades. It suggests the model of small farm management under “New Theory” based on Sufficiency Thinking. It provides guidelines for farmers to divide their plots into four sections under the 30:30:30:10 formula for integrated farming. This basic model can be modified to suit different geographical conditions and farm sizes, but it requires farmers to live their life with moderation, respect for, recognition of local knowledge and local management of natural resources. It can be a means to improve the quality of life in rural areas, ensure enough food for present and future generations, and generate sufficient income for farmers. Apart from gaining year-round food security from integrated farming, farmers eventually become debt-free and end hunger.

A Development of Community Potentiality for Enhancing Peaceful Society by Buddhist Integration

This research aims to propose a guideline for community potential development to promote an integrated Buddhist peaceful society. There were 21 samples and the research instruments consisted of observation. In-depth interviews and focus group discussion using content analysis methods. The results of the research showed that the approach to community potential development to promote an integrated Buddhist peaceful society consisted of 1) Buddha means community potential development. There must be a Buddha as an anchor for the mind and connected with legend causing faith to be one. It may start from the wisdom or the beliefs of the community, which should be preserved or built on the beliefs as a common point or the beginning of faith fusion, and then gradually develop from belief and faith without wisdom to the level of belief that has wisdom or reason to support. 2) Dhamma means the development of community potential, there must be principles, method of development or principles, teachings, and activities or traditions in this section. There must be academic or have principles and knowledge to help support development such as research-based development. However, the academic principles must be able to integrate with the community such as traditions or rituals because the academic giving will have a form that is difficult to understand. However, the rituals or activities will provide knowledge to the sector of practice seamlessly. 3) Sangha refers to the development of community potential, there must be a leader and a model that confirms success, or to guide or point the way that may refer to both the monk and the householder who has charisma including the structural governing mechanism with a goal of development is based on the four principles of prayer, namely physical, behavioral, mental and intellectual. (1) Physical aspect in the first step, the strategy for developing the environment in the village to be clean, the second stage, the strategy for the development of livelihood according to the sufficiency economy principles as a tool to support a happy life. Finance based on commodity principles. (2) Behavior aspect in the first step, the strategy of community development as a community, the fifth precepts, in the second stage, the 5 precepts development strategy for society, aims to show itself as a volunteer, raising the level of community development to recognize the sacrifice, sharing in the third step strategy. Raise the development level to be a model person, a model community. (3) Spirituality aspect in the first step, the strategy for the use of religious activities as a medium for community development, in the second stage, the strategy to raise the mental development from the faith level to the intellectual level in the third stage, the strategy for the development of community potential for woke up has a well-trained mind ready to perform duties according to the Dhamma way. (4) Intelligence aspect in the first step, the strategy to build a strong community base, starting with the main institute of the community, namely the temple, the second stage, the strategy to promote the relationship between the houses, temples, and schools as community intelligence.

Roles of Buddhist Monks in Moral Development following Sufficiency Economy Philosophy

The purpose of this article was to propose a model of moral and ethical development according to the philosophy of sufficiency economy. Documentary study was used by studying the role of Buddhist monks and analyzing the consistency of morality, ethics, and philosophy of sufficiency economy consisted of modesty, rationality, and immunity that based on the conditions of knowledge and morality. Results indicated that the guidelines for moral development began with the development of education in order to provide people with knowledge with various abilities, and also apply the aforementioned knowledge to occupations building well-being for yourself and your family. For moral and ethical development, it is very important aspect for social development. Considering with the current situation in Thai society, it can be seen that the chaos of Thai society today is mainly due to the lack of moral and ethical lifestyle. Therefore, moral and ethical development must know how to improve oneself to be people with sufficient knowledge, and be a person who spends sufficiently on education, a person with good physical health and mental health, and be a learner who know how to solve problems, and know how to think reasonably. There are five aspects in a model of moral and ethical development consisted of education, Dhamma propagation, social welfare, inherit culture, promote and preserve environment. There are two important principles for the maximum benefit which are virtues for a good household life, and virtues conducive to growth in wisdom.

Sufficiency Economy Philosophy: An Enabler for Zero Waste City

Waste has become a critical problem in cities around the world. Each year, the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste, with at least 33 percent of that not managed in an environmentally safe manner. The currently consumption-driven lifestyle also produces a huge volume of waste each day threatening the world sustainability. Moreover, the ongoing depletion of natural finite resources is also leading the globe to an uncertain future. The purpose of this article is to study the zero-waste concept and the characteristics of zero waste city, to study the principles of sufficiency economy philosophy, and to review the role of sufficiency economy in waste reduction and how it contributes to zero waste city. Documentary study and literature review were used for data collection. The result showed that ineffective waste management including landfill and incineration can be one major cause of waste. Also, overconsumption can be another cause that exacerbates the current waste situation. A zero-waste strategy and the concept of zero waste city can contribute to waste prevention with its proactive-reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R)-principle and to the reduction of wastes sent to landfills and incinerators. Sufficiency Economy Philosophy can also contribute to waste reduction at the consumer side. With the zero-waste strategy and sufficiency economy philosophy, we can achieve waste and pollution reduction and preserve our environment, as well as create sustainability for the future generations.

A structural relationship between the sufficiency economy philosophy and the transport performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand

The purposes of this study were; (1) to explore the application level of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Thailand, and (2) to explore the relationship between the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and business performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Thailand. The assigned sample population included 395 business owners of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Thailand and a questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. The statistics used in the analysis were Arithmetic Mean, Standard deviation, and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient with defined statistical significance of .05. The study revealed that the application level of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to business management of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Thailand was at a high level. Knowledge in the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, however, was applied at a moderate level. It was found that the relationship between the application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and the business performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Thailand was a significant relationship with statistical significance of .05. For the related components; Moderation, Reasonableness, Social Immunity, Knowledge, and Virtue, each was also found relevant to the business performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises with statistical significance of .05.

The Consistency of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The purpose is to find the consistency of the SEP with SDGs. The sample used in this research was from development projects based on the application of the SEP with the total of 1,677 projects. These 1,667 projects were compared to the Taro Yamane table at a 95% confidence level with a deviation of 0.02. In addition, the sample of 10 projects under the framework of South-South cooperation and the Triangular cooperation were purposively selected. Questionnaires were used as the research tools to obtain opinions of experts consistency of the SEP to the dimensions of economic, social, and environmental development with the SDGs. The accuracy of the questionnaires is 0.88. The data were analyzed using Decision Matrix Analysis, Pearson's correlation, percentage, and average. The results showed that sustainable development based on the application of the SEP was consistent with SDGs in 3 dimensions: environmental at 28.40% ( = 4.73), economic at 27.14% ( = 4.52), and social at 26.08% ( = 4.35). The SEP is positively consistent with SDGs at 42.33% (r = 0.42325), which suggests that more implementation of development projects in accordance with the SEP leads to more development towards SDGs in each dimension.

Research Synthesis on Educational Model

The concept of study management according to the National Study Plan, based on the key principles of study management, consists of: Principles of Education Management for The Nation Principles of Education Management for Equality and General. The philosophy of sufficiency economy and the principle of participation in all sectors of society. It also adheres to sustainable development goals. Domestic issues such as the quality of people of all ages. Changes to the country's population structure Inequality of income distribution and environmental crisis. The national strategy is a key framework for the creation of a national education plan from 2017 to 2036, and the findings in the study's quality plan have also found that the development results are not satisfactory, as the basic academic achievements are significantly lower than average and lower than many Asian countries (Office of the Education Council, 2017). From that plan, Education is extremely important and must continue to develop across all dimensions. Keywords: Research systhesis, Educational Model

Exploring the Process Toward Corporate Sustainability at a Thai SME

Given that corporate leaders seek to ensure the long-term sustainability of their organization, this study explores how a business adopting a Thai Sufficiency Economy philosophy improves its sustainability performance. Adopting the Sufficiency Thinking model as the research framework, this study uses a qualitative research approach with a set of different data collection techniques to explore a sample Small–Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) called Plan Creation. Collected data are identified as themes, according to the Sufficiency Thinking model. Our findings reveal that there is a close fit between the collected data and the Sufficiency Thinking model. Virtuous attributes, individual and shared knowledge and the decision-making framework of Sufficiency Mindset are observed through the sustainable leadership actions, leading to, among other things, social and environmental innovation. Implications for practicing managers and directions for future research are also discussed.

The Sustainability of Students’ Development on Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP)

The aims of this research are: to study the current and desirable states of the sustainability students’ development on sufficiency economy philosophy in school; to develop model of sustainability students ‘development on sufficiency economy philosophy for schools under the office of secondary educational area. Mixed - methods research approach is used consisted of four steps as follows: (1) study of 126 schools; (2) construction of a model; (3) verification of the model by 30 experts; (4) an evaluation of the model by a focus group of 15 experts, followed by final adjustments to the model. The research instruments are a questionnaire and an evaluation form. The data were analyzed by content analysis and descriptive statistics. The research results are as follows: The overall of current and desirable states of the sustainability students ‘development on sufficiency economy philosophy in school at high level and at the highest level respectively. Furthermore, the model is composed of four parts: The first part is the model of the sustainability students’ development. The second part is the principle and objective of model. The third part is an implementation process which consisted of four factors. They are management, curriculum development, teacher developments and students’ activities. The fourth part are conditions of implementing and success.

The Reflection of Professional Learning Community of Educational Institution Networks focusing on the Sufficiency Economy in Songkhla, Thailand

This study aimed to describe the professional learning community (PLC) of educational institution networks in Songkhla, Thailand. In this study, the Faculty of Education Thaksin University is in the role of the supervision and monitoring working group that received funds for organizing professional development activities like a professional learning community (PLC). This project was implemented in the educational institution network in Songkhla province for the year 2019. The number of networks is eight, covering one network of educational professionals and seven networks of educational institutions. It involved nine coaches/ mentors divided into three teams who responsible for three networks (Khuan Niang Witthaya School, Ban Radpun School, and Wat Rong School). This study used the assessment tools of the Secretariat Office of the Teachers Council of Thailand. This tool consists of four sets. Those are sets of guidance record form for coaches and mentors, sets of interview forms and interview recording forms, sets of monitoring and evaluation of the performance by the network, and sets of the network performance evaluation form. Based on the finding, the entire teacher networks are writing lesson plans, and the students learn with the principles of moderation. The use of knowledge with awareness and moral responsibility is the basis for decisions and actions in four dimensions, namely economy, environment, society, and culture in balance.

นักจิตวิทยาการปรึกษาตามรอยศาสตร์แห่งพระราชาสู่การประกอบวิชาชีพ ตามหลักปรัชญาเศรษฐกิจพอเพียง

นักจิตวิทยาการปรึกษาตามรอยศาสตร์แห่งพระราชาสู่การประกอบวิชาชีพ ตามหลักปรัชญาเศรษฐกิจพอเพียง

アジア通貨・金融危機以後のタイの食料・農産物市場 : 米市場の質的変化を中心に(東南アジアの経済成長と食料・農産物市場,2014年度大会シンポジウム報告)

アジア通貨・金融危機以後のタイの食料・農産物市場 : 米市場の質的変化を中心に(東南アジアの経済成長と食料・農産物市場,2014年度大会シンポジウム報告)

Sufficiency economy philosophy: Buddhism‐based sustainability framework in Thailand

AbstractDrawing upon institutional theory, sustainability scholars have demonstrated that various institutional factors, such as environmental regulations, national business systems, and global sustainability standards, shape legitimate sustainability frameworks. However, most of the studies have focused on formal institutions that have law‐like regulations and procedures. Owing to the skewed attention, the role of informal institutions in shaping sustainability frameworks has remained largely unexplored. The present study suggests that an informal institution, particularly religion, can play a significant role in developing a locally driven sustainability framework. In particular, this study investigates Thai context where Buddhism has shaped people's mindset, moral principles and day‐to‐day economic activity. For the past few decades, Thailand has theorized its own unique sustainability framework—sufficiency economy philosophy—based on Buddhist worldview on interrelationships of economy, society, and environment. By shedding light on how religion is formalized as a sustainability framework, this research contributes to institutional approach to sustainability.

A Case Study of King's Science Operational Factors in the Sufficiency School

King Bhumibol's science known as sufficiency economy philosophy encourages Thai citizens to live based on themselves, and all schools have been teaching their students to cultivate, learn and practice this sustainable theory. The objectives of this research were to 1) study the King's Science operational factors in the sufficiency school under the Lop Buri Primary Educational Service Area Office, and 2) create the model of the operation according to the King's Science of the sufficiency schools. The research sample was consisted of 321 school administrators and teachers by implementing the Yamane technique to stratify random sampling. The research instruments were questionnaire and structured interview form with a reliability of 0.87. The data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The research results showed that 1) the King's Science operational factors in the sufficiency school were rated overall at a high level. They were arranged in descending order of their mean values as follows: accomplishment aspects, administration aspects, and activity of student development aspects, and 2) the model of the operation according to the king's science by the case study of sufficiency school was possible, useful, consistent, and suitable for the context. This model also had been approved by the participants of focus group discussion and could be used as a practical guideline for schools in Lop Buri.

Psychological, Situational, Religious and Behavioral Factors Influencing Happiness in Living

Can anyone living based on religious orientation in the tempted environment be happy? The world’s renounced “Sufficiency Economy “ lifestyle bestowed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great of Thailand is the important promotive practice. This study investigated direct and indirect effects of traits, situation, religious belief and practice, and behavior based on “sufficiency economy philosophy” on happiness especially hedonic and eudaimonic types. Samples were 323 Booniyom community members, from Santi Asoke, a cult in Buddhist religion. Results from path analysis indicated the model fit that supported the interactionism model with suggestion to add path relationship between group of antecedents. It was found that happiness was directly accounted for 83 percents by the sufficiency economy relating behaviors, as well as, religious belief and practice. Discussion, further analysis, and suggestions were offered.

AN ANALYSIS OF NIGERIA’S NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC) IN THE TRANSITION TO A LOW CARBON ECONOMY

This paper examines the complexity of achieving economic growth simultaneously with low carbon transition in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) seeks to carry out far-reaching cuts capable of reducing the scale of pollution recorded in the country. But the ratification of the agreement also works at cross-purposes with Vision 20:20 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) since these development blueprints are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Qualitative data was used to arrive at the study’s' findings, complemented with quantitative data based on Nigeria Energy Calculator modelling tool for analyzing energy demand and supply in the country. The paper observed that a plethora of issues were impediments to the implementation of the NDC. That, fossil fuel energy generation as palliative is incapable of addressing issues of externality. Thus, Nigeria needs a new socio-economic contract termed the Food Sufficiency Economy (FSE) to usher in a net zero carbon trajectory. FSE is a convergence of food sovereignty and sufficiency economy. It is also in line with Africa’s eco-bio-communitarianism perspective, but slanted towards Climate-Smart Agriculture as the building block for a low carbon and climate resilient future.
 Okoh, A. I. S. | Department of Political Science, Benue State University Makurdi, Nigeria.

YOU EARN as YOU LIVE as YOU VALUE

PurposeIn economic theory, the relationship between working/earning decisions and consumption/lifestyle decisions has been conceptualised in an almost entirely unidirectional manner: income from work taken as a given governs consumption and so lifestyle. This involves a narrowly inaccurate view of the consumption–work interaction. The purpose of this paper is to argue that this economist’s way of thinking about consumption and work needs to be replaced by a conception in which not only does realised income determine one’s consumption possibilities but also the desired level of consumption is itself a choice and a key determinant of how and how much one decides to work.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is designed as a conceptual contribution in which the above insight is linked to the extensive literature on sustainability.FindingsWhen consumption is no longer thought of as determined by a given income constraint, it becomes possible to consider how people by modifying their consumption aspirations may be led not only to work less or differently but also to live and consume in a more sustainable manner. As a result of lesser pressure to work ever more, they may also be led to an ethical reappraisal of the way they work.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptualisation suggested is rich in implications for future research, for example, on links between consumerism and corruption; and on the impact of more ethical work choices on well-being. There is an implicit critique of much of HRM theory and practice which tends to instrumentalise work. The implications of artificial intelligence for future work are noted and, in this context, are surprisingly positive. The macro level implication of the need to move away from gross domestic product to more appropriate measures of socio-economic performance and well-being such as Social Progress Index (SPI) are noted.Practical implicationsThe link between this widened conceptualisation of the consumption–work decision and the notion of voluntary simplicity is explored in detail and the latter is shown to apply also to the types of work/job chosen. This in turn is shown to have implications for management (especially HR) practice and for government policies both at micro and macro levels.Social implicationsThis carries clear implications for work-life balance in people’s daily lives; and by choosing more ethical ways of working or types of job, there may be a significant pro-social impact.Originality/valueThis paper points to a widening of the notion of voluntary simplicity beyond merely consumption choices to apply also to work choices. In the discussion of moral philosophical underpinning of voluntary simplicity, the link is made with Buddhist wisdom of the Middle Way and sufficiency economy and with the Golden Mean of Stoicism.

Applying ISO26000 and the sufficiency economy philosophy to measure the sustainability of state owned enterprises in Thailand

This study intends to construct a composite index for the government, in order to assess and improve Thai State Owned Enterprises (SOEs)'s financial performance, operations, and ethical behaviours; according to the sustainability definition as put forward by Coblentz (2002). The construction of the index follows the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s approach, and was compiled by surveying existing literature related to ISO 26000, the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, and the Sustainable Balanced Scorecard (SBSC). After in-depth and semi-structured interviews with the experts, the data from 55 SOEs during the period 2010 to 2017 were statistically tested. The resulting index was composed of four dimensions namely, leadership which focuses on ethics and balanced growth; sustainable strategic management; managing finances with balance and sufficiency; and good governance and the promotion of responsibility and sufficiency within SOEs. The assessment results from this index will benefit the government in terms of the determination of policy and lead to improvements to SOEs' sustainability.

Applying ISO26000 and the sufficiency economy philosophy to measure the sustainability of state owned enterprises in Thailand

Applying ISO26000 and the sufficiency economy philosophy to measure the sustainability of state owned enterprises in Thailand