The thesis entitled “Development of Buddhist strong community of Salameng village, Thapa sub-district, Ko Kha district, Lampang province” consisted of two objectives. The study aimed: 1) to study the development of Buddhist strong community and 2) to propose ways for the development of Buddhist strong community of Salameng village, Thapa sub-district, Ko Kha district, Lampang province. This is qualitative research with the data collection through fieldwork. The research area was within Salameng village, Thapa sub-district, Ko Kha district, Lampang province. The research target groups were abbot of the temple, community leader, community president, president of the housewife group, president of Village Health Volunteer, members of Salameng village, government officers, entrepreneurs and related network agencies in total of 8 persons. The research instruments were focus group discussion and the in-depth interview. The data was created through the descriptive analysis and synthesis.

The results of the research were as follows: 1) From the study of the development of Buddhist strong community, the strength of the community was based on the consciousness of members that wanted to participate in helping each other and solving problems harmoniously. Any community that could analyze problems and decide the alternatives that led to successful solutions, that community would be able to rely on themselves and members in the community would have a better quality of life. Every successful activity had to apply the principles of community participation which could be divided into 5 levels, namely 1) problem finding process; the participation of the community to find causes of problems in the community as well as defining the needs of the community and participating in prioritizing the needs, 2) development planning process; the participation of the community in determining the policies and objectives of the project as well as defining methods of operation and resources, 3) development operation process; the participation of the community to make benefits by supporting materials, equipment and labor, to join the administration, coordination, and to request for help from outsources. 4) receiving benefits from development process; the participation of the community to receive or accept benefits that should be gained from the development both in terms of material objects and psychological values, and 5) development evaluation process; the participation of the community in assessing how successful the development had been achieved. In community strength aspect, it was found that members of the society had love and harmony for each other. They were able to live peacefully and lived a better life which considered as the heart of a strong community. In profession aspect, it was found that there was a career building for members to earn a living honestly. There was also a training on traditional career for young generation. In culture and tradition aspect, it was found that the young generation had been cultivated of local culture and tradition in order to preserve the identity of the village. In environmental development aspect, it was found that care and attention had been given especially to the management of solid waste. Members also gave cooperation in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness within the community.

2) Ways for the development of Buddhist strong community of Salameng village, Thapa sub-district, Ko Kha district, Lampang province, apart from the participation of members in developing strong community, the Dhamma on Sappurisa-dhamma or virtues of a good man could be integrated in developing strong community. Not only it increased the strength of members in the community, it also cultivated young generation to have mentally strength with a spirit of community preservation and able to continue to strengthen the culture and way of life of people in the community.

Download