THE 9 VALUES COMMUNITY: THE PROCESS OF CREATING SOCIAL VALUE IN BURI RAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: (1) construct the “9-D” community identity; (2) strengthen warm families based on the 9-D principles; (3) develop 9-D networks within Thai society; and (4) cultivate 9-D values while reviewing relevant bodies of knowledge and research approaches. Fieldwork was conducted in five districts of Buriram Province—Ban Dan, Krasang, Lam Plai Mat, Huai Rat, and Na Pho—covering designated target villages. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory community forums. Purposive sampling was employed to select key informants, including 10 monks or religious leaders, 5 community leaders, 5 community representatives/local scholars/academics, and 30 students or activity participants per community, totaling 50 participants per community and 450 participants overall. Research instruments included semi-structured interview forms, small-group meetings, and a set of 9-D community activities, comprising focus group discussions, network forums, and 21 training sessions on 9-D value cultivation with pre- and post-tests, as well as the formulation of community regulations. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic descriptive analysis, while quantitative data were examined using basic statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The findings revealed that:

          1) Community identity emerged from ethnic and cultural diversity integrated with religious practices in daily life. The “Bowon” (home–temple–school/community) synergy functioned as a driving mechanism, with the temple serving as the spiritual and communal center. Community development employed culture both as an objective and as an instrument, emphasizing the preservation of traditions, rituals, and local wisdom through participatory processes.

          2) The development of warm families was grounded in cohabitation, effective communication, love, trust, and child-rearing in accordance with the 9-D principles. This led to the design of a two-day program comprising ten activities. The overall evaluation was at a high level (M = 4.39).

          3) The 9-D network operated at three levels—provincial, subdistrict, and village—through the “9-D Peaceful Village Charter.” Five key success factors were identified: leadership, committee structures, participation, faith-based commitment, and evaluation mechanisms.

4) The cultivation of 9-D values emphasized collaboration among families, temples, schools, and government agencies. It fostered participatory systems that extended to economic and environmental development. The study recommends continuous public campaigns and the promotion of savings groups, cooperatives, supplementary occupations, organic agriculture, renewable energy, and community-based sufficiency economy learning centers.