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Sufficiency Economy Across Cultures: Insights From Thai and Western Approaches

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  • Theeranuch Pusaksrikit
  • Nuttapol Assarut

Abstract

This research presents a systematic literature review on sufficiency economy frameworks in Thai and Western contexts. It explores their conceptual foundations, mechanisms, and applications in addressing sustainability challenges. The Thai Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), deeply influenced by Buddhist ethics, emphasizes moderation, self‐reliance, and community resilience. This contrasts with Western approaches, which focus on ecological sustainability, distributive justice, and systemic reform. By reviewing 182 articles published between 2007 and 2024, with 47 selected for in‐depth analysis, this study highlights complementary strengths and key distinctions in philosophy, implementation, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, and challenges. The findings contribute to cross‐cultural sufficiency and sustainability discourse and provide insights for policymakers, businesses, and communities striving for a sufficiency economy and environmental resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Theeranuch Pusaksrikit & Nuttapol Assarut, 2026. "Sufficiency Economy Across Cultures: Insights From Thai and Western Approaches," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(1), pages 1255-1269, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:1:p:1255-1269
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70314
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