Community Welfare Development from the Needs and Potential of Community Enterprises: A Case Study of the Muslim Women's Health Massage Group, Patabudi Village, Laem Pho Subdistrict, Yaring District, Pattani Province

Abstract

The study on “Community Welfare from the Needs and Potential of Community Enterprises: A Case Study of the Muslim Women's Health Massage Group, Patabudi Village, Laem Pho Subdistrict, Yaring District, Pattani Province” was a mixed-method research. The objective was to study the creation of community welfare from the needs and potential of community enterprises, massage groups for the health of Muslim women. Patabudi Village Laem Pho Subdistrict, Yaring District, Pattani Province.The target group consisted of 20 Muslim women, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was done in several ways, including document study, focus group discussion, in-depth interview, observation, field notes, focus group discussion, and questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, mean. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and interpretation.            

The research findings revealed that 1) the group of Muslim women had the potential and desire to organize themselves for formal business activities and successfully registered as the Patabudi Health Massage Community Enterprise Group; 2) integrated support from various sectoral network partners facilitated the sustainable development of the community enterprise; and 3) the continuity and efficiency of the community enterprise’s operations enabled the establishment of group welfare and sustainable community benefits, while aligning with the local cultural context. The study recommends expanding the group membership to create more employment opportunities, distribute income more widely, and accommodate male service users. Furthermore, all activities should be conducted through an integrated partnership network, including government support in terms of funding, activities, and knowledge, as well as private sector involvement, to enable Muslim women to enhance their skills and practically implement their work, thereby generating employment and promoting income distribution.