Saving Behavior and Household Accounting According to the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy in Bang Pla Ma District, Suphanburi Province

Abstract

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to evaluate saving behaviors and household accounting practices based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy; (2) to study the problems and obstacles related to saving and accounting; and (3) to propose guidelines for promoting saving and household accounting based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy within communities in Bang Pla Ma District, Suphan Buri Province. this study employed a mixed-methods research design. For the quantitative phase, the sample consisted of 130 households practicing household accounting, with data collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. For the qualitative phase, 13 key informants—comprising local government personnel and community leaders across 13sub-districts in Bang Pla Ma—were interviewed through in-depth interviews, followed by content analysis. the research findings revealed that Overall saving behaviors and household accounting practices based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy were at a high level.

Problems and obstacles in saving and accounting included: (a) limitations in recording skills due to the elderly demographic; (b) a lack of understanding of complex accounting tools; (c) income instability; and (d) financial stress. Proposed guidelines for promoting saving and household accounting based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy in Bang Pla Ma District, Suphan Buri Province, consisted of: (a) creating incentives for financial behavior change; (b) enhancing financial management skills through simplified and practical methods; and (c) promoting "Agricultural Accounting Volunteers" to serve as mentors in teaching and providing guidance on household accounting at the community level.