Development of Strong Community: A Case Study of Poonbumphen Community, Phasi Charoen District, Bangkok

Abstract

This research aims to study the characteristics of a strong community and the factors contributing to a strong community. The study also proposes the development model of a strong community. Based on qualitative research, Poonbumphen community was selected as a case study. The data were gathered by document research, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and nonparticipant observation. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results showed that characteristics of a strong community were the ability to be self-reliant, the security of community, the vision of community and the love for community. The factors that promote a strong community were closed social relations, learning to improve people’s lives in the community, networking of community, natural leader, and the self-reliance economy. The suggestion for the development of a sustainable strong community is continuation of farmland, promoting awareness of newcomers, creating an ongoing community development activities, implementing proactive community public relations, and creating next generation leaders and establishing a community network to carry on the mission.