การแก้ปัญหาหนี้สินในครัวเรือนจากผลกระทบโควิด-๑๙ ของชุมชนบ้านไร่ศิลาทอง อำเภอเมืองลำปาง จังหวัดลำปาง

              The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the impacts and problems of household debt caused by Covid-19 of Ban Rai Sila Thong Community, Mueang Lampang, Lampang Province; 2) to explore the guidelines for solving household debt problems caused by Covid-19 of Ban Rai Sila Thong Community, Mueang Lampang, Lampang Province; and 3) to propose the guidelines for solving household debt problems caused by Covid-19 of Ban Rai Sila Thong Community, Mueang Lampang, Lampang Province. The study used a mixed-method approach, with quantitative data obtained by questionnaire and qualitative data acquired via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The obtained data were presented using descriptive method.

From the study, the following results are found:

1) The household debt problems caused by Covid-19 can be divided into 3 points: (1) Behavior that leads to household debt, whether through credit cards, personal loans, or loans from financial institutions and loan sharks, all of which are handy, quick, and simple. This is due to the need for rapid and urgent money, cash flow, or in emergency situations; (2) Prior to the Covid-19, household debt was derived through consumption, the purchase of expensive products, child tuition fees, tourism, credit cards, and financial institution loans; and (3) Household debt as a result of Covid-19 causes a decrease in per capita income. When they do not have enough income, they fall behind on paying their debts, which forces many households to get loans from other sources or turn to loan shark services to solve their problems.

2) The guidelines for solving household debt problems caused by Covid-19 can be divided into 2 parts which are: (1) Doing household accounting entails keeping a record of one's own and family's income and expenses; and (2) Following the sufficiency economy philosophy of spending and saving, which is called ‘having moderation’. Including, being reasonable and aware of unnecessary spending, as well as saving the money left over from spending, which is called ‘having immunity’ for oneself and the family.

3) The guidelines for resolving household debt problems caused by Covid-19 include encouraging people in the community to perform household accounting in order to achieve self-sufficiency. With this, the household accounting plan can be completed effectively, and people can live their lives according to the sufficiency economy philosophy, in which they can live modestly while yet being successful and happy. This approach will help in the adjustment of materialistic consumption behavior, which is the source of debt and has a negative influence on life. This concept assists the community in developing immunity in order to deal with the economic circumstances caused by Covid-19.

In summary, the sufficiency economy philosophy consists of three principles: rationality, moderation, and immunity. The three principles must be employed concurrently with two conditions: knowledge and morality. The use of the sufficiency economy philosophy as the foundation for determining financial management, whether inside businesses or in personal finances, will result in balance and sustainability.