This study used qualitative methods to gather data. Data was collected from a fieldwork survey, in-depth
interviews, and focus groups. The areas of the study were three villages in northeast Thailand (Tha Pong in the
Chaiyaphum province, Phonoi in the Roi Et province, and La lom Bhai in the Buriram province) and one village
in south Thailand (Nam Bor in the Nakorn Sri Thammarat province).
We conducted in-depth interviews in the spring of 2011 with the following individuals. However, the focus
groups met to discuss how the villagers lived while following the philosophy of sufficiency economy, the
difficulties of living by the philosophy, and how the philosophy helps to increase social and environmental
sustainability. The data gathered was analyzed using content and descriptive analyses.