The sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainable Development Goals and Social Enterprise Implementation toward the Well-being of Local Communities: A Case Study of Six Local Administrative Organizations in Eastern Thailand

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) assess the level of sufficiency economy implementation among six local administrative organizations in Eastern Thailand, and 2) extract lessons learned from exemplary social enterprises managed by these organizations in accordance with the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. The study areas include the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, Trat Municipality, Phlu Ta Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Wang Wa Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Nong Teen Nok Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and Sarika Subdistrict Administrative Organization. This research employs a qualitative transdisciplinary approach, integrating the case study methodology and the lesson-learned methodology.
The findings reveal that all six local administrative organizations demonstrate a “Understanding” level of sufficiency economy implementation. Furthermore, two prominent social enterprise models were identified in Eastern Thailand: Pracharath Rak Samakkee Chonburi (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd., which focuses on certifying community products, and Pracharath Rak Samakkee Trat (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd., which promotes socially beneficial activities. In addition, four other local organizations were found to have developed the micro-level of social innovation initiatives, including the Phlu Ta Luang Daycare Center, Ban Wang Wa Agro-Cultural Tourism Group, Tilapia Chitralada Breeding and Farming Model Development Project, and the Waste Transformation and “Breath of Life for the Underprivileged” Initiative. Therefore, community enterprises are a key mechanism for driving sustainable development at the grassroots level.