Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative study were to investigate the process of protection and solution of narcotics problem of the local community, the results of performances, the factors affecting the process of protection and solution of narcotics problems as well as the principle of Buddhadhamma applied by the local community for their own protection and solution process of narcotics problems.  The experimental study was carried on in Pa Phai village, Tambon Mae Pong, Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai. Interviews, group discussion, learning sources, observation along with participation were selected for data collection before the data were determined by a test for triple array validations and narrative data presentation was operated.  

The study found that Pa Phai village used to face the prevalence of the drug problems, but the experiences in local administration made them able to learn and adjust to drugs protection and solutions by using integrated strategy of incorporated concerns both inside and outside the community.  Under the circumstances, the social capitals as strength mechanism have induced the best performance for its compromising tasks to achievement amid the folk ways when a so called “community model” for narcotics protection deserves.  

The process of protection and solution of the narcotics problems consisted of the discussion process, the data reflection, performance plans, tasks procedures, functional units in the affected areas and the follow-up process. 

The task procedures comprise 1) fulfillments of public awareness and participation via local conferences described by incorporated groups of thinking process and situational analysis including the nature of drugs problems and its problem solving, 2) the application of the Principle of Sufficiency Economy, 3) the use of social measures, 4) the adaptation of local traditions and cultures, 5) learning experiences, 6) the establishment of new gens’ leaderships, 7) the building of peer networking inside and outside affected areas, 8) the data integration into schools, 9) the social restoration program, 10) the community volunteers system, and 11) the law enforcement.  

The factors affecting the performance achievement consisted of 1) information and the  cause of drugs problems, 2) feeling cooperative as problem owner and beneficiary, 3) the support of the people concerned both inside and outside the community, 4) the availability of social capital in community such as systems of clans and seniority, local wisdoms, culture and traditions and the base of resources, 5) the participation of juvenile by giving them an opportunity to participate in protecting and solving drug problems through various activities, 6) the close relationships and interaction among the people in community with social contexts of folk ways,  7) leaders and their leadership with intention to work for community and for being a good model,               8) the allied operators as partnerships. 

The factors that are the limitation of drug problem protecting and solving covers the political fluctuations; the changes of the government, the vague policies, the changed situations of the drug problems and society perspectives reducing the ability to operate task programs/ suitable activities in order for locating the target group in affected areas, the lack of data for learning and planning management, the shortage of subsidized funds and the low problems about narcotics.     

The results of performances made the community people concerned with their problems, have social awareness, energy of unity, establishment of social learning process, confidence in the energy of community, restoration of cultural and traditional importance, and the serenity of the local community. 

The principle of Dhamma applied by community into protecting and solving                   drug problem consisted of 1) the Four Noble Truth it includes problem situation and the             analysis of the causes of problem, investigate into the solving method, and leads to the implementation as well as the evaluation for the development, 2) Principle of Conditions of Welfare (Vajjã-aparihàniyadhamma) expressed by social functioning system as corporate community in gaining pleasure through ways of thinking, acting and taking process for their assignments, 3) principle of the unity expressed by incorporated organization, reconciliation scheme, friendly distribution and merciful practices, 4) the principle of three major benefits which is the expression of ideals about Sufficiency Economy and consisted of benefits obtainable here in this lite (Diţţhadhammikattha) leading to proper ways of life, and proper earning and saving for their own property and the benefits of the next life-birth phase hereafter; future benefit (Samparàyikattha) which is the proper practice according to the principle of morality and beliefs in the rules of actions (Karma) and the highest good (Paramattha) which is life sustainability of peace with personal wisdom along with capable mindfulness against misery caused by greed, wrath and delusion, and 5) the principle of the Threefold Learning which is expressed by precepts, concentration and wisdom.