This research aimed to: 1) study the existing community capital in the Special Economic Zone of SaKaeo Province; 2) examine the community strength; 3) investigate the relationships and influence of existing community capital on community strength; and 4) propose a model for enhancing community strength in this area. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 416 household heads residing in Phak Kha Sub-district, Watthana Nakhon District, and Tha Kham, Ban Dan, and Pa Rai Sub-districts, Aranyaprathet District, SaKaeo Province, using multi-stage random sampling. The research instrument was a self-developed questionnaire comprising sections on respondents’ general information, existing community capital (divided into five dimensions: social, environmental, human, cultural, and economic capital), and community strength. The
content validity indexes of the community capital and community strength questionnaires were .90 and .82, respectively, and their reliability coefficients were .92 and .89, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with eight key informants, including: community administrators, community leaders, local wisdom holders, and senior residents. These data were analyzed using content analysis to identify key themes. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted with representatives from the public, community leaders, government, and private sectors to validate and suggest improvements to the proposed community strength enhancement model.
