Sustainable community development does not begin with advanced technology alone. Rather, it emerges from a deep belief in the potential of local people and the meaningful integration of local wisdom with modern scientific knowledge. The stories of the Tung Mok Model, the Tung Mok–Chiang Muan Model, and the Mae Ing Shibori Model in Phayao Province, Thailand, exemplify how community-based research can generate lasting social, economic, and cultural impact.
These three models demonstrate that when communities are empowered as co-creators of knowledge, innovation can grow from the grassroots and expand to national and international recognition.
The Origin of Change: The Tung Mok Model
The journey began in 2012 in Tung Mok Village, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province. Under the “Science and Technology Community Hub Village Project,” led by the University of Phayao in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, researchers worked closely with the Tai Lue textile-weaving community to enhance traditional natural dyeing practices using locally available plants.
At the outset, the community faced several challenges, including limited technical knowledge, inconsistent dye quality, and low product value. Through participatory collaboration, researchers introduced scientific principles of natural dye extraction and color fixation, while respecting and preserving traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. This integration allowed the community to improve product quality, standardize processes, and expand production capacity.
The outcomes exceeded expectations. An economic and social impact assessment revealed a Benefit–Cost Ratio (B/C Ratio) of 20.89, reflecting exceptional economic value. More importantly, community members transitioned from being local producers to becoming community trainers, capable of transferring knowledge to other groups. Tung Mok Village was officially recognized as a Science and Technology Hub Village and received national awards, confirming the success of university–community collaboration.
Cultural Preservation through Innovation
One of the most symbolic achievements of the Tung Mok Model was the incorporation of the traditional Tai Lue “Lai Tam Gao” pattern into the academic regalia of the University of Phayao. This initiative not only preserved a valuable cultural heritage but also elevated it to an institutional and societal level. The recognition fostered pride within the Tai Lue community and reinforced the value of cultural identity as a foundation for innovation.
The Tung Mok Model gained widespread recognition through national awards, academic publications, and media coverage, establishing it as a best-practice example of socially engaged scholarship in Thailand.
Deepening Impact: The Tung Mok–Chiang Muan Model
Building on earlier success, the Tung Mok–Chiang Muan Model was implemented during 2018–2019 in Ban Mang Subdistrict, Chiang Muan District. While continuing to focus on natural dyes derived from local plants, this phase emphasized product diversification and economic sustainability.
The results were tangible. Community members experienced an average income increase of nearly 67% per person per month, while profits rose by more than 117%. Natural dyes generated two to three times more value than synthetic dyes, demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic viability can coexist.
A key institutional achievement was the establishment of the Tai Lue Textile Learning Center, developed in collaboration with the local administrative organization. Additionally, a practical handbook on natural cotton dyeing was produced, enabling long-term knowledge transfer and independent community learning. This phase earned national recognition under the University of Phayao’s Identity (UP Identity) initiative, highlighting its contribution to cultural preservation and sustainable development.
A New Chapter in Social Innovation: The Mae Ing Shibori Model
In 2020, the Mae Ing Shibori Model marked a significant evolution in community innovation under the University of Phayao’s Social Innovation Driving Unit (SID). The project aimed to apply natural dye technology to Shibori tie-dye textiles within the Mae Ing Natural Dye Shibori Community Enterprise in Phayao Province.
The outcomes clearly demonstrated the power of social innovation. Average household income among members increased by 55%, exceeding project targets. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) reached 1.68, indicating strong economic and social value. Beyond income generation, the project stimulated new occupations, such as indigo cultivation and the utilization of low-grade marigold flowers as natural dye materials.
Importantly, the community developed its own group of local innovators capable of independently creating, adapting, and expanding natural dye innovations. The model was later expanded to six additional textile-related groups across Phayao Province, achieving a return-on-cost ratio of 5.64.
The Mae Ing Shibori Model received numerous accolades, including national awards for social innovation and, most notably, a GOLD MEDAL at the 2024 Kaohsiung International Invention and Design Expo (KIDE) in Taiwan. This international recognition affirmed that Thai community-based natural dye innovations meet global standards.
Toward Sustainability: Lessons from the Three Models
The collective experience of these three models highlights a central principle: participatory development is the foundation of sustainability. Effective community development requires the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science—not to replace existing wisdom, but to enhance its value and resilience.
Equally important is fostering a sense of shared ownership within communities, ensuring that local people participate in every stage of development, from problem identification and learning to implementation and knowledge transfer. The hub-and-network system linking core and satellite communities further enables knowledge diffusion and continuous innovation.
Over more than a decade, the Tung Mok, Tung Mok–Chiang Muan, and Mae Ing Shibori models have demonstrated that community-based research can transcend academic boundaries and create real change in people’s lives. By integrating economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, these models offer a powerful blueprint for sustainable development—one that continues to inspire communities nationwide and beyond.