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Journal of Demography

Abstract

The elements of strong communities in Thailand are changing. In this study, data were collected and analyzed by triangulation from in-depth interviews across 32 case studies of academics, community leaders, civil servants, government officials, pensioners, and representatives of non-profit organizations (NGOs). The research found a significant emergence of diversity among leaders in the Thai context compared with the past, tending toward individualistic characteristics. It is believed that each person has their own motivations and demonstrates actions that respond to expectations and needs — an important attribute that enhances the potential for leadership within a community. Additionally, evidence-based practices are needed to promote community strength more effectively than in the past. Based on the literature review, this study identified five key components of a strong community: (1) self-reliance, (2) shared vision and direction, (3) mutual trust, (4) community engagement, and (5) clear supportive policies. Two additional components also emerged: (1) the presence of leaders who can combine resources from different sectors, and (2) data collection and evidence-based practices to disseminate community knowledge to other communities. In the current context, the recommendations to empower community strength are as follows: (1) promoting a community development process througb mentoring for communities in their initial stages and providing support for them to operate independently once they become strong; (2) increasing community participation in goal-setting and development planning by integrating resources from within the community, government, private sector, and civil society; and (3) conducting further studies on the needs of vulnerable groups within a community for its further development.

DOI

10.56808/2730-3934.1014

First Page

70

Last Page

90

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