No Poverty

This three-year project employed a scaffolding approach divided into three phases: scaffolding, action, and scaffolding removal. In the first phase, staff from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences examined the area’s social, economic, environmental, and health contexts to develop the Khlong Lan District Charter, outlining shared goals, responsible agencies, and necessary mechanisms. From this, 23 local partners signed an MoU to collaborate on projects aligned with local needs in four sub-districts. The faculty invested 400,000 baht to assist communities in project management and marketing, including training on online sales, labeling, and packaging. Local authorities launched a “Khlong Lan Cultural and Agricultural Tourism” festival to attract tourists and promote local products. In the second phase, activities were refined and expanded, with continued faculty support and a 300,000-baht investment. The local government integrated the initiative into its annual plan, assuming full financial responsibility in the third phase, while the university’s role shifted to advisory. The project yielded substantial outcomes: tourist arrivals rose by 18%; local economic return reached 1,856,366 baht, with an ROI of 364.1%; and an SROI of 13.22, meaning every 1 baht generated 13.22 baht in social value. The initiative fostered community tourism networks, learning centers, cultural revitalization, and improved health and happiness, reflected in a Gross Village Happiness index of 72.2%. Overall, the project exemplifies sustainable, community-driven development supporting multiple SDG goals.

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HUSO News : Khlong Lan Cultural and Agricultural Tourism