Democracy in the Phutai Ethnic Group Community in Kalasin Province, Thailand

Abstract

The study aims to understand the processes of democracy in the Phutai ethnic group community in Kalasin Province. This would help with defining the complex and critical issues of democracy processes in the Phutai ethnic group community, and then enabling it to reveal the guidelines to strengthen democracy in the Phutai ethnic community and progress towards local community development. Additionally, the research also proposes ways for knowledge exchange and network building regarding democracy development among Phutai ethnic communities in Kalasin and other provinces in Thailand. The research is qualitative, focusing on Phutai ethnic communities with diverse contexts, including urban, semi-urban, rural, and mixed-ethnic communities existing in eight districts of Kalasin Province, where it is one of the main home provinces to Phutai communities in Thailand. Data were gathered through a variety of sources, including academic literature reviews, research reports, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The key informants for in-depth interviews and focus group discussion were recruited by their specific extensive related experience, who are Phutai people. The data collected from these diverse sources were then used for a descriptive analysis to ensure accurate and comprehensive research findings. This study found that the model and process of democracy in ethnic communities in Kalasin Province are a hybrid form, relying on democratic processes rooted in the community to build consensus or approval, which leads to actions that align with government policies and meet the needs of the community. This is achieved through a form of democratic political culture based on ethnonationalism, which contributes to significant democracy within the community. For promoting knowledge exchange and building networks, the research emphasizes the critical need for the precise legal recognition of rights of Phutai ethnic communities and also the need for various methods of information dissemination among all generations of the Phutai group in Kalasin Province and other areas.

1. Introduction

Indigenous peoples are essential to global sustainability. There can be neither sustainable development nor peace without the other, according to the preamble of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Agenda, “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions”, calls for the creation of inclusive, responsible, and effective institutions at all levels as well as the promotion of peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development. Indigenous peoples play a crucial role in global sustainability, primarily through their unique knowledge systems, traditional practices, and stewardship of biodiversity. Their contributions are increasingly recognized as essential for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. Indigenous communities manage approximately 25% of the world’s land, which harbors 80% of Earth’s remaining biodiversity. This stewardship is vital for maintaining ecological balance and protecting various ecosystems that are critical for climate stability [1]. Their traditional ecological knowledge, developed over thousands of years, offers insights into sustainable land management practices that can minimize environmental impact, enhancing resilience against climate change impacts [2]. Indigenous peoples have actively engaged in international discussions on sustainability since the early 1990s. Their participation in forums like the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio + 20) has highlighted their role in shaping sustainable policies that respect their rights and knowledge systems. The recognition of their rights under international law is essential for fostering an inclusive approach to global sustainability efforts [3]. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the need for Indigenous participation in achieving its goals. Indigenous peoples often face significant disadvantages, and their involvement is critical to ensuring that sustainability efforts are equitable and effective. The SDGs directly relate to issues affecting Indigenous communities, such as poverty eradication, human rights, and environmental protection [1,4]. The recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights, especially their right to self-determination, which can take many forms, such as autonomy and self-government, is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 [5]. Democratic governance, i.e., community engagement based on Indigenous decision-making methods, helps achieve self-determination and inclusive society for Indigenous peoples [6]. This paper notes that enhancing the model and process of democracy in ethnic communities in Kalasin Province of Thailand through a form of democratic political culture and the legal recognition of rights of Phutai ethnic communities and various methods of information dissemination among the Phutai group are key to achieving self-determination and inclusive society for the Phutai Indigenous community.

In Thailand, the Phu tai ethnic group migrated from the left bank of the Mekong River to northeastern Thailand in the early 24th Buddhist century, settling in areas such as Kalasin, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Amnat Charoen, and Mukdahan. The largest subgroup resides in Kalasin’s Muang Wang district, led by descendants of historical nobility. The Phu tai community maintains conservative lifestyles rooted in traditional customs such as the father–mother mediator system for social problem resolution. The father–mother mediator system offers a culturally sensitive approach to resolving social problems in the Phutai ethnic community by enhancing communication, preserving family integrity, and empowering both parents as active participants in conflict resolution. This system not only addresses immediate issues but also fosters long-term social harmony and resilience within the community. This ethnic nationalism also influences the political clout of Phu tai politicians in their regions [7].

In Kalasin Province, the Phu tai Indigenous people reside across eight districts including Kam Muang, Sam Chai, Sahatsakhan, Somdet, Huai Phueng, Naku, Khao Wong, and Kuchinarai. These can be categorized into four contextual factors: (1) rural Phu tai communities; (2) urban Phu tai communities; (3) peri-urban Phu tai communities; and (4) Phu tai communities cohabiting with other ethnic groups. Consequently, these distinctions lead to diverse lifestyles [8].

Although not a majority group of the province, the Phu tai have a distinct identity that has become emblematic of the Kalasin Province—illustrated by slogans of the province stating “Phu tai Culture: Praewa Silk”. Activities and cultural practices such as weaving Praewa silk and celebrating Bun Bang Fai Ta-Lai-Lan Ban Kudwha Festivals (rocket festival) are nationally recognized. Furthermore, the Phu tai play a vital role in enhancing Kalasin’s identity through events like the World Phu tai Festival and International Phu tai Festival, which foster unity and sustainable local development [8].

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand [9] emphasized political participation by recognizing the importance of ethnic groups. The constitution mandates the state to promote and protect the right of ethnic groups under sections 27 and 70 by preserving their cultures and traditions. However, Thai politics is rooted in a feudal system and clientelism. The 1932 revolution and nation-building processes have diluted ethnic identities into a singular Thai identity. Acknowledging and respecting ethnic diversity is crucial for fostering a robust and sustainable democracy in Thailand. Establishing mutual understanding within a democratic framework that ensures equal citizenship for all necessitates studying the contexts and lifestyles of various ethnic groups while centering community culture in development efforts. Supporting community participation processes empowers citizens to determine their political direction. Thailand is a multicultural society with over 70 ethnic groups but still faces challenges regarding recognition and livelihood [7]. Implementing community democracy principles is essential for promoting self-determination and inclusive society within Thailand’s culturally diverse context. This paper aims to explore democratic forms and processes within the Phu tai ethnic community in Kalasin Province—a region characterized by complexity and diversity—to outline pathways for strengthening community democracy among the Phu tai people. This initiative aims to propel local community development while providing policy recommendations for government entities as well as private and civil sectors to implement practical strategies that foster knowledge exchange and network building among Phu tai communities in Kalasin and neighboring provinces.

A review of the past literature revealed that the characteristics of community democracy among the Phutai ethnic group in Kalasin Province are significant and consist of four forms, including Protective Democracy, Direct Democracy, Participatory Democracy, and Deliberative Democracy. However, the context and conditions of the previous research studies were conducted within the context of a single ethnic group, the Phutai, in one village, Ban Nong Hang, Tambon Nong Hang, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province. These forms, as a result, may not fully address the socio-political context and cultural nuances of the Phu tai ethnic group in Kalasin Province due to spatial diversity among communities. The data collection involved only 18–22 key informants [10]. Additionally, the research was conducted in 2015, which was nearly nine years ago. Therefore, the conditions for the emergence of community democracy in ethnic groups are influenced by social, traditional, cultural, value, and belief systems of that ethnic group, as well as the changing political and administrative context at the national level [10]. Kalasin Province is one of the main provinces where the Phutai ethnic group resides in various areas of the province, besides the Nong Hang village area, which has already been studied in previous research [10]. Therefore, this research argues that studying the community democracy model from the Phutai ethnic group in Kalasin Province in areas other than the Nong Hang village will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the community democracy model that encompasses the Phutai ethnic group in Kalasin Province. This research has thus expanded the study area from a single village in one sub-district of one district in Kalasin Province, which is the Nong Hang village, to eight districts in Kalasin Province, where they are also the home of the Phutai ethnic group. Additionally, this research has increased the number of key informants from the previous study, which collected data from 18 to 22 key informants, to 100 key informants, of which 80% are Phutai people, totaling 80 individuals.

A lack of knowledge concerning democracy building and also limitation of community engagement based on Indigenous decision-making methods to enhance self-determination and inclusive society for Indigenous peoples within Phu tai remain problems [10].

Considering the problems above, this research paper, therefore, aimed to (1) understand the processes of democracy in the Phutai ethnic group community in Kalasin Province as well as define the complex and critical issues of democracy processes in the Phutai ethnic group community, (2) reveal the guidelines to strengthen democracy in the Phutai ethnic community and progress towards local community development, and (3) propose a way for knowledge exchange and network building regarding democracy development among Phutai ethnic communities in Kalasin and other provinces in Thailand.

Lacking knowledge about democratic processes and sustainability can severely limit a society’s capacity to implement effective policies. Without adequate understanding of democratic principles, citizens may feel alienated from political processes, leading to lower participation rates in decision making. This disengagement can result in policies that do not reflect the community’s needs or priorities [11,12]. Moreover, knowledge deficits can foster skepticism towards new sustainable practices or technologies. If citizens are not informed about the benefits of such changes, they may resist adopting them, hindering progress toward sustainability [13,14].

2. Literature Review and Related Research

This literature review is structured into two levels: (1) ethnic democracy at the international level, and (2) general ethnic democracy in Thailand that significantly influences the establishment or development of democracy within Phu tai communities.

To achieve the three objectives of the research paper, the research methods were conducted to ensure that the data fulfilled the research aims. Researchers synthesized information from theoretical frameworks regarding community democracy, alongside concepts related to the Phu tai ethnic group and the socio-political context of the eight districts in Kalasin Province. The synthesis reveals several key findings:

Shown in

Table 1. Literature synthesis table: Forms of democracy in the community.

Researchers	Community Participation	Emphasis on Public Benefits	Reflecting Community Needs	Knowledge Management	Conflict Reduction	Promoting Decentralization	Achieving Consensus	Promoting Rights, Freedoms, and Equality	Limitations of Ethnic Groups
[15]	✓		✓		✓		✓		✓
[16]	✓	✓		✓		✓		✓
[17]	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
[18]	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓
[19]	✓			✓			✓	✓
[20]	✓	✓	✓		✓		✓	✓
[21]	✓		✓		✓		✓	✓
[22]	✓		✓		✓	✓	✓	✓
[23]	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
[24]	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓
[25]	✓			✓		✓			✓
[26]	✓			✓					✓
[27]		✓			✓	✓	✓
[28]	✓	✓		✓			✓	✓
[29]	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓
Frequencies	14	8	9	9	8	9	11	9	5

, a review of relevant research conducted from 2005 to the present, both domestically and internationally, on community democracy indicates nine desirable characteristics derived from the literature that reflect the components of democracy within communities.

The summarized findings from the literature synthesis illustrate various models of community democracy, highlighting how these characteristics can be instrumental in enhancing democratic practices within the Phu tai community.

From the review of related research from 2005 to the present, both domestically and internationally, on the topic of community democracy, it was found that there are nine desirable characteristics that reflect the components of community democracy, which include community participation, a focus on public benefit, the reflection of community needs, knowledge management, conflict reduction, the promotion of decentralization, consensus building, the promotion of rights and freedoms, equality, and basic ethnic limitations, which leads to the study of forms, processes, and exchanges of democratic learning in the community and the creation of democratic networks in the community. These are mapped as shown in Figure 1.

3. Research Methodology

This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing primary sources of data gathered from target groups within the Phutai ethnic communities across eight districts in Kalasin Province, namely Kham Muang, Sam Chai, Sahatsakhan, Somdet, Huai Phueng, Na Khu, Khao Wong, and Kuchinarai. In addition to the desk research through literature review, the researchers employed three methods of data collection including in-depth interviews, general interviews, and group interviews. The 100 key informants were selected as a purposive sampling to provide data through the three methods of data collection. The key informants include 80 participants of the Phutai ethnic group in Kalasin Province and 20 participants of a non-Phutai ethnic group. These 100 key informants encompass the district chiefs, deputy district chiefs, heads of government departments, Phutai civil servants, community leaders, community chiefs, sub-district and local leaders, heads of local enterprises, academic groups, health volunteers, community financial groups, and the general Phutai people. The 100 key informants were selected based on their extensive experience related to the processes of democracy and network building regarding democracy development among Phutai ethnic communities in Kalasin Province. In relation to the three techniques of data collection through interviews, the in-depth interviews and group interviews were mainly employed, while the general interviews were conducted only to fulfill the data that was missing in the first two types of interviews. A group interview was conducted with participants who are a member of local enterprises, while the rest of the participants were interviewed through the in-depth interviews. The detailed information is exhibited in the below

Table 2. A list of participants of the research.

Informants	Phutai Ethnic Group (Total)	Non-Phutai Ethnic Group (Total)	Percentage
1. District chiefs	15	-	15.0
2. Deputy district chiefs	5	-	5.0
3. Community chiefs	9	-	9.0
4. Sub-district and local leaders	8	-	8.0
5. Heads of government departments	3	8	11.0
6. Academic professional groups, health volunteers	2	7	9.0
7. Heads of local enterprises	20	-	20.0
8. General people	18	5	23.0
Grand Total	80	20	100.0

.

The study spans one academic year, from August 2023 to June 2024. The desk research was used to collect the secondary source data, reviewing related documents, academic papers, research works, and theses, using case studies from the aforementioned eight districts to ensure comprehensive baseline data collection. In-depth interviews, general interviews, and group interviews were conducted to gather diverse field data, which were then systematically analyzed, processed, and interpreted to validate the findings. Concurrently, secondary source documents were subjected to a content analysis and comparative discourse analysis to depict research findings accurately.

4. Results of the Study

The study on community democracy among the Phu tai ethnic group in Kalasin Province yielded significant findings that can be summarized according to the research objectives as follows:

4.1. Demographic Characteristics of Survey Respondents

From a sample of 100 respondents within the Phu tai community in Kalasin Province, gender distribution revealed that females constituted the majority, with 55 individuals (55.0%), while males accounted for 45 individuals (45.0%). In terms of age, the most represented group was those aged 41–45 years, totaling 23 individuals (23.0%). This was followed by the 46–50 age group with 21 individuals (21.0%). The least represented age categories were those aged 25–30 and those over 61 years, each comprising five individuals (5.0%).

Regarding occupation, the predominant profession among respondents was agriculture, with 51 individuals (51.0%). This was followed by civil service workers at 23 individuals (23.0%), while general laborers represented the smallest group with 5 individuals (5.0%).

When examining the duration of residence within the community, the largest group consisted of those who had lived there for over 31 years, totaling 32 individuals (32.0%). The second-largest group had resided in the community for 26–30 years, numbering 26 individuals (26.0%), while only 5 individuals (5.0%) had lived in the community for 5–10 years.

Roles and Positions in the Community: among the 100 key informants categorized by their roles within the community, 80 were from the Phu tai ethnic group and 20 were from other ethnicities. The largest subgroup consisted of general citizens from both ethnic groups, totaling 23 individuals (23.0%). Following this were leaders and members of community enterprises, occupational groups, health volunteer groups, and community finance groups, which collectively numbered 20 individuals (20.0%). Lastly, there were five individuals (5.0%) serving as assistant village heads.

These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the demographic characteristics and community roles within the Phu tai ethnic group in Kalasin Province, contributing to a deeper understanding of their social structure and engagement in democratic processes.

The findings from in-depth interviews with 100 key informants allowed the researchers to summarize and synthesize the research results as follows:

4.2. Forms and Processes of Democracy in the Phu Tai Ethnic Community of Kalasin Province

The democratic process within the Phutai ethnic communities in Kalasin Province is related to their characteristics, rooted in the social and political context of the Phu tai people, who show respect for and trust in their leaders. Consequently, all political decision-making processes and activities within the community are manifested through democratic practices, including consensus voting. Once a decision is reached, it becomes the responsibility of community leaders or committees to implement political activities aimed at achieving the objectives set forth. This process highlights the importance of collective participation and decision making among community members. Majority rule is a critical aspect of this democratic process, as is the election of leaders. Additionally, there are mechanisms such as oversight committees established to ensure a balance of power and proper, transparent operations within the community. Meetings are scheduled, and benefits for the village are clarified to foster understanding and participation among residents. The oversight committees are vital for promoting transparency in democracy, holding the executive accountable, monitoring actions of the administration, identifying misconduct, and engaging the community. Committees often require detailed reports on audits, compliance, and financial statements, ensuring that there is a clear record of activities and decisions made by governmental bodies. This approach creates a reliable and systematic process that embodies community democracy, promoting effective and sustainable operations through transparency and inclusivity. The goal is to ensure that all voices within the community are heard, thereby fostering trust across all facets of community life. This collaborative effort aims to build a robust community with a shared vision for sustainable development.

Thus, the forms and processes of democracy within the Phu tai ethnic community in Kalasin Province are influenced by various factors, including customs, traditions, language, culture, lifestyle, ethnic identity, and differing social and political contexts compared to urban areas or mixed communities. The democratic model in this community is characterized by a blend of Direct Democracy practices in electing community leaders and committees with participatory decision-making processes.

Previous research has revealed that community democracy among the Phutai ethnic group in Kalasin Province consists of four (4) forms (Akhad, 2016) [30]; these forms are protective, direct, participatory, and consultative. However, the context of the study by the author involved a sample group of 18–22 people and was limited to a single Phutai group in Ban Nong Hang, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province, while this research examines a sample group of 100 people from eight districts of Kalasin Province. From interviews conducted, democracy among the Phu tai ethnic group can be categorized into six (6) distinct patterns: (1) Direct Community Democracy involves the election of community leaders and village assemblies where residents vote to reach consensus on various community activities. (2) Indirect (Representative) Community Democracy is a model that entails managing the community through leaders and community committees, utilizing representatives from local groups, such as household representatives, community enterprise groups, and occupational or financial organizations, to voice the interests of their constituents. (3) Participatory Community Democracy is a framework where citizens engage in political activities or community initiatives according to their individual skills and abilities, either independently or through various community groups. (4) Regarding Consultative Community Democracy, the Phu tai ethnic group exemplifies this model by fostering unity within the community peacefully, showing respect for community leaders, elders, and traditional wisdom. This approach emphasizes the importance of gathering opinions from diverse groups within the community through consultations to reach conclusions that can be accepted in village assemblies. (5) Protective Community Democracy is a form that leverages the cultural foundations and traditions of the ethnic group to manage community affairs, employing democratic processes to establish legitimacy and acceptance within the community. (6) Reciprocal Community Democracy, the political decision making among Phu tai people, is often rooted in principles of truthfulness and gratitude. Consequently, political decisions may sometimes be influenced by patron–client relationships and mutual benefits. From six various forms of Phu tai democracy, it could be summarized that ethnic communities in Kalasin Province have a hybrid democracy model and process that depends on community-based democratic processes to foster consensus or approval, which results in actions that satisfy community needs and are in line with governmental policies. This is accomplished through an ethnonationalism-based democratic political culture that significantly advances democracy within the community. These forms of democracy highlight the interplay between ethnic identity and democratic practices within the Phu tai community, emphasizing both participation and cultural respect in governance. However, while ethnonationalism has the potential to enhance democratic governance by promoting representation, self-determination, social cohesion, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation, it also poses challenges. These include the risk of exclusionary practices against minority groups and potential conflicts arising from competing national identities. Thus, balancing ethnonationalist sentiments with inclusive civic nationalism is crucial for fostering a healthy democratic environment.

4.3. Strategies for Strengthening Community Democracy Among the Phu Tai Ethnic Group in Kalasin Province to Drive Local Development

Based on a review of the literature regarding community democracy, nine key dimensions have been identified: community participation, emphasis on public benefit, the reflection of community needs, knowledge management, conflict resolution, the promotion of decentralization, consensus building, advocacy for rights and freedoms, and addressing the fundamental limitations of ethnic identity. The researchers applied this framework in the study, leading to the following findings:

4.3.1. Strengthening Community Democracy for Local Development

The development of democracy within the Phu tai ethnic community in Kalasin Province must begin with fostering understanding and participation across all dimensions of the community. This includes acknowledging the differing contexts of urban, semi-urban, and rural communities, and those where Phu tai people coexist with other ethnic groups. It is essential to consider customs, traditions, language, culture, lifestyle, and the ethnic identity of the Phu tai when developing democratic strategies within a society rooted in conservatism and ethnic nationalism. This approach should cultivate awareness of rights, freedoms, equality, and transparency through participatory processes such as voting and consensus building aimed at the collective benefit of the community. Engaging individuals in decision making and activities fosters mutual understanding regarding democratic roles and listening to community needs to promote unity and collaboration in further development.

Additionally, it is crucial to elect strong leaders capable of guiding the community towards sustainable development while establishing groups that play significant roles in economic and community advancement—such as livestock farming groups or local business cooperatives—and ensuring that representatives are both robust and accepted by the community. Thus, effective community democracy can emerge when all groups collaborate harmoniously under competent leadership that listens to community needs appropriately. This will empower the community to face future challenges more effectively across various areas such as career development, rights enhancement, justice within the community, and sustainable resource management.

4.3.2. Tailoring Democratic Models to Community Contexts

The development of democratic models within the Phu tai ethnic community must prioritize knowledge enhancement and neutral participation from within the community itself. Therefore, it is recommended to organize regular knowledge-building activities such as meetings, discussions, and exchanges to foster understanding about the roles and importance of participation in decision-making processes at the community level. Annual events or communal gatherings can serve as opportunities for members to come together to share opinions and collaboratively plan community initiatives. Encouraging input from all age groups while respecting elders’ knowledge and experiences is vital for achieving sustainable decision making that reflects communal understanding.

Emphasizing cooperation among all age groups is essential for building a robust democratic process. Training sessions should be provided to ensure that everyone has opportunities to develop skills and understand democratic processes actively. Transparent communication through various media—such as documents, meetings, and campaigns—is crucial for fostering understanding and participation within the community. By prioritizing transparency and equitable access to information, all individuals can contribute meaningfully to their community’s development.

4.3.3. Developing Democratic Processes Appropriate for Community Contexts

Enhancing democratic processes within the Phu tai ethnic community requires promoting existing cultural practices and traditions to foster understanding and responsibility towards these shared values. Supporting connections between residents and local resources will help build trust and mutual understanding within the community. While majority rule is important in decision-making processes, it is equally critical to provide space for minority voices to express their opinions actively. The solidarity between youth and elders plays a key role in establishing an appropriate democratic process. Learning from one another’s experiences can enhance collaboration in community development efforts. Training opportunities should be accessible for all members to improve their skills in democracy and participation. Ensuring that leaders align with residents’ perspectives is vital for creating effective democratic processes through collaborative decision making across all aspects of community life.

In summary, strengthening democracy within the Phu tai ethnic group in Kalasin Province necessitates a focus on enhancing knowledge and fostering participation from within the community itself while respecting cultural traditions and promoting inclusivity across generations.

4.4. Strategies for Knowledge Exchange and Network Building Among the Phu Tai Ethnic Group in Kalasin Province and Nearby Regions

4.4.1. The Role of Community Democracy in Facilitating Knowledge Exchange and Network Building Among Citizens in Kalasin Province and Surrounding Areas

Community democracy plays a crucial role in fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening citizen networks within Kalasin Province and its neighboring areas. By empowering the majority voice through democratic platforms, communities are encouraged to share knowledge and experiences, such as cultural exchanges, artistic expressions, and local wisdom. This collaborative approach helps to build robust networks that connect communities, fostering reliable relationships and cooperation. Furthermore, establishing learning centers, training programs, and community development groups is essential for enhancing the resilience of communities through continuous knowledge exchange across all age groups and professions. Transparency in resource allocation will further bolster community trust and strength sustainably, thereby preventing potential distrust that could lead to conflicts in the future. Open learning and experience sharing will serve as a vital catalyst for creating a balanced and well-structured community conducive to long-term sustainable local development.

4.4.2. Promoting Knowledge on Community Democracy to Facilitate Knowledge Exchange Networks Among Citizens in Kalasin Province and Neighboring Areas

Promoting knowledge about community democracy in Kalasin Province and nearby regions can be achieved through various methods. These include revising educational curricula to emphasize the history and principles of community democracy, collaborating with local government agencies to provide training and knowledge dissemination, forming community groups or organizations for experience sharing, and enhancing public understanding of the meaning of democracy. Additionally, fostering transparency and participation in community management is critical. These initiatives can serve as a foundation for cultivating a genuinely democratic society characterized by active participation at the community level.

In summary, the strategies outlined above aim to enhance knowledge exchange and network building among the Phu tai ethnic group in Kalasin Province and neighboring areas by leveraging community democracy as a fundamental framework for collaboration, education, and sustainable development.

5. Conclusions and Discussion

The results of the study can be concluded in that the model and process of democracy in ethnic communities in Kalasin Province should be a hybrid form, which could be achieved through a form of democratic political culture based on ethnonationalism. For the discussion, if we analyze the study on community democracy, specifically the case study of the Phu tai ethnic group in Kalasin Province, Thailand, within the framework of sustainability, we will find that the knowledge gained can reflect concepts related to a dimension of Sustainable Development Goal 16: promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The legal recognition of rights of Phutai ethnic communities and various methods of information dissemination among the Phutai group are needed.

Regarding the forms and processes of democracy in the Phu tai ethnic community of Kalasin Province, the democratic process is linked to the traits of the Phutai ethnic communities in Kalasin Province. The ethnic identity of the Phutai people is reflected through a unique democratic process that integrates culture and traditions with communal decision making. The preservation of traditional culture alongside the embrace of democratic ideas allows the Phu tai community to sustain their identity sustainably. Consensus building within the democratic process can readily occur in communities characterized by unity in traditional culture and leadership as the focal point.

We give details on strategies for strengthening community democracy. As the followers or community members have respect and trust in their leader, the development of democracy within the Phu tai ethnic community in Kalasin Province should place a higher priority on the formation of leaders even though its democratic model is unified in philosophy and still includes a number of participation-reflective procedures like voting, referendums, and consensus that highlight the value of the person. Sustainability is possible when community leaders are strong and uphold democratic values. Democracy as a movement starts from the community, society, culture, and management, leading to processes based on participatory concepts, civil society concepts, decentralization concepts, and democratic concepts, culminating in the formation of a civil society movement. This then evolves into community self-management, beginning with the transformative idea of citizenship.

To effectively foster knowledge exchange and network building among ethnic groups in the context of democratic development, it is crucial to leverage shared dimensions of traditional culture and community leadership. The following strategies are suggested based on insights drawn from various sources on intercultural dialog, community organization, and democratic practices. Firstly, there is establishing Intercultural Dialog Platforms. Creating structured platforms for dialog that encourage open communication among ethnic groups can facilitate mutual understanding and respect. Secondly, there is Utilizing Traditional Leaders as Facilitators. Traditional leaders often hold significant influence within their communities and can act as mediators in knowledge exchange initiatives. Thirdly, there is Community-Based Participatory Research. Engaging community members in participatory research can help document and share local knowledge while reinforcing community ties. Fourthly, there are Digital Knowledge-Sharing Platforms. Leveraging technology to create online platforms for knowledge sharing can facilitate continuous engagement among ethnic groups. And lastly, there is Advocacy for Inclusive Policies. Promoting policies that recognize the rights of all ethnic groups is fundamental to building a cohesive society. This process requires time and effort, but the outcomes will benefit the community in the long term. There should be legislation, i.e., the Constitution or the Acts, to promote the rights and community democracy of the Phu tai ethnic group in Kalasin Province.