Sustainable community development does not rely solely on advanced technology, but on empowering local people and integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific knowledge. In Phayao Province, Thailand, the Tung Mok Model, the Tung Mok–Chiang Muan Model, and the Mae Ing Shibori Model demonstrate how community-based research can create long-term economic, social, cultural, and environmental benefits. These initiatives show that when communities are treated as co-creators of knowledge, innovation can emerge from the grassroots and achieve national and international recognition.

The Tung Mok Model: Integrating Science with Tradition

The transformation began in 2012 in Tung Mok Village, Chiang Kham District, under the Science and Technology Community Hub Village Project led by the University of Phayao in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology. The project worked with the Tai Lue weaving community to improve traditional natural dyeing practices using locally available plants.

          Initially, the community faced several challenges, including limited technical knowledge, inconsistent dye quality, and low market value of their products. However, through participatory research, we were able to introduce scientific principles for dye extraction, color fixation, and process standardization, while still preserving traditional weaving techniques. This integration not only improved the overall quality of our products, but also increased our production capacity and enhanced our competitiveness in the market.

          The impact was significant. Economic and social assessments revealed a Benefit–Cost Ratio of 20.89, indicating exceptional returns. More importantly, community members evolved from producers into trainers, capable of transferring knowledge to other communities. Tung Mok Village was officially recognized as a Science and Technology Hub Village and received national awards, highlighting the effectiveness of university–community collaboration.

Cultural Preservation through Innovation

The Tung Mok Model achieved a significant milestone by incorporating the traditional Tai Lue “Lai Tam Gao” pattern into the academic regalia of the University of Phayao. This initiative not only elevated the local cultural heritage to an institutional level, but also strengthened community pride and reinforced the notion that cultural identity can serve as a powerful catalyst for innovation. The model garnered widespread recognition through various awards, academic publications, and media coverage, solidifying its position as a prominent example of socially engaged research in Thailand.

The Tung Mok–Chiang Muan Model: Expanding Economic Sustainability

Building on this success, the Tung Mok–Chiang Muan Model was implemented during 2018–2019 in Chiang Muan District. While continuing to use natural dyes from local plants, this phase focused on product diversification and long-term economic sustainability.

The results were clear: average monthly income per person increased by nearly 67%, while profits rose by more than 117%. This demonstrates that products dyed with natural colors generated two to three times more value than those using synthetic dyes, proving that environmental sustainability and economic growth can coexist.

          Institutional development was also emphasized through the establishment of the Tai Lue Textile Learning Center in collaboration with local authorities. A practical handbook on natural cotton dyeing was produced to support continuous learning and independent knowledge transfer. The project received national recognition under the University of Phayao Identity initiative, reflecting its contribution to cultural preservation and sustainable community development.

The Mae Ing Shibori Model: Social Innovation and Global Recognition

In 2020, the Mae Ing Shibori Model marked a new phase of innovation under the University of Phayao’s Social Innovation Driving Unit. The project applied natural dye technology to Shibori tie-dye textiles within the Mae Ing Natural Dye Shibori Community Enterprise.

The outcomes demonstrated strong social and economic value. Average household income increased by 55%, exceeding project targets, while the Social Return on Investment reached 1.68. The project also created new occupations, including indigo cultivation and the use of low-grade marigold flowers as dye materials, strengthening local resource utilization.

          Crucially, the community developed its own group of local innovators capable of independently creating and expanding natural dye innovations. The model was later extended to six additional textile groups across Phayao Province, achieving a return-on-cost ratio of 5.64. Its success was recognized through multiple national awards and a GOLD MEDAL at the 2024 Kaohsiung International Invention and Design Expo in Taiwan, confirming its international standard.

Lessons for Sustainable Development

Together, the three models highlight participatory development as the foundation of sustainability. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern science does not replace local wisdom but enhances its value and resilience. Equally important is fostering shared ownership, ensuring community participation at every stage—from problem identification to implementation and knowledge transfer.

          The hub-and-network approach, which connects core and satellite communities, facilitates ongoing learning and innovation. Over the course of more than a decade, these models have demonstrated that community-based research can have a tangible impact on people's lives, extending beyond the boundaries of academia. By addressing economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions simultaneously, the Tung Mok, Tung Mok–Chiang Muan, and Mae Ing Shibori models provide a compelling blueprint for sustainable development that continues to inspire communities in Thailand and around the world.