Phra Khamkhian Suvanno’s community at Tahmafaiwan in northeastern Chaiyabhum is another exemplary Buddhist-based community centered around a charismatic leader. Through Khamkhian’s leader- ship, the Tahmafaiwan community has significantly improved life in nearby villages, both physically and spiritually. It has become a grass roots movement, struggling to achieve a relatively self-sustaining local economy and self-determined local polity, while constantly working to alleviate environmental problems.