Poverty Alleviation: A Case Study of Operating Model in Phatthalung Province

Abstract

Phatthalung province has a low Human Achievement Index (HAI) in terms of household income and the highest ratio of poor people in Thailand. A collaborative process is developed In this research to drive area-based development and alleviate poverty in Phatthalung province. The main steps included in this process are: 1) Establishing cooperation between provincial and local agencies, 2) Developing a comprehensive surveying system for poor households in eleven districts of Phatthalung province, 3) Analyzing levels of sustainable livelihood capital and coordinating with social services to help those in need, and 4) Developing an operating model for locals to develop occupational and life skills. This operation helped integrate multilateral networks for poverty alleviation at the provincial level, particularly through the mechanism of the Center for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Multi-aged People Development Using Sufficient Economy Philosophy, a body that includes organizations from the government, the private sector, civil society, the public sector, and universities in the area. The survey in Phatthalung province revealed 14,212 households and 59,495 individuals living in poverty. We calculated scores reflecting the livelihood of these individuals based on five capital assets, revealing the following score for each capital: human capital was at 1.85 (difficult to live), physical capital was at 2.77 (livable), economic capital was at 2.20 (difficult to live), natural capital was at 2.72 (livable), and social capital was at 1.53 (very difficult to live). Following the results of this survey, revealing 9,597 households in need of assistance with either home repairs, the elderly, bedridden patients, or disabled persons, we coordinated with agencies responsible for the corresponding services. Finally, this data was used to develop a pilot model, the “Krajood model”, in Thalei Noi sub-district, Kuan Kanoon district, Phatthalung province. This model integrates the local wisdom of Krajood and community identity with modern science and innovation, therefore incorporating impoverished individuals into the value chain. The collaborative approach aimed to enhance skills, create opportunities, and uplift income prospects. This effort has not only developed a local partnership and working model for poverty alleviation but has also refined data tracking systems. These outcomes are envisioned as guiding principles for future area-based community development to effectively combat poverty in Phatthalung province.