2011 Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 238-244
The objectives of this research were: 1) to study reasons for being in debt and their solutions based on farmer intellect in the central region of Thailand and 2) to seek suggestions on being debt-free for graduate students in agricultural extension to prepare for their careers, strengthen their careers and create networking. Triangular techniques were utilized with documentary analysis, in-depth interviews and observations in the locale of five farmers who managed and provided consultations to successfully solve debt problems and were honored by the Office of the Education Council of the Ministry of Education.
Research findings revealed that 1) debts were caused by forgetting ways of past living, forgetting self-realization, surrendering to obstacles, relying on mono crops only and neglecting local wisdom. Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to life, application of Islamic principles to develop a community, management of resources, wise use of household expenses and income, and the formation of groups for community businesses were effective to alleviate debt problems. 2) Suggestions for career preparation by applying the Sufficiency Economy principles, the support of government policies to solve debts, the support of families to encourage children to return home to work and the development of curricula upon learners’ self-realization, wisdom and practicability were also revealed. To strengthen students’ careers, academic institution should emphasize student potentiality, promotion of work and group work, support of group leaders, and empowerment of the community. Students should develop their capacity, have honest leaders to coordinate with other networks, have group coalition with good intentions, and establish career learning centers to create networking.
