SOCIAL CAPITAL AND CRIME PREVENTION: A CASE STUDY ON DRUG PREVENTION AND SURVEILLANCE IN WAT PURANAWAS COMMUNITY, THAWI WATTHANA DISTRICT, BANGKOK

Abstract

This qualitative research collected data through interviews with seven key informants to explore the characteristics, components, formation, and application of social capital in drug prevention within the Wat Puranawas community. The findings reveal that: 1) The community’s social capital stems from close-knit, kinship-like relationships among residents and strong collaboration with external organizations. This existing social capital serves as a tool for preventing drug-related issues. 2) The key components of social capital include: community committees and collaborative networks, trust, public participation, information and communication systems, social cooperation, and empowerment and political engagement. 3) The formation of social capital involves seven stages: building social networks, fostering trust and cooperation, implementing community governance mechanisms, developing infrastructure and communication systems, encouraging public participation, establishing external linkages, and promoting empowerment and shared decision-making. 4) Social capital is applied in drug prevention and surveillance through various strategies, such as: establishing community management structures, organizing surveillance groups, building trust, collaborating to monitor at-risk groups, engaging youth in positive activities, supporting the reintegration of drug users, using effective communication channels, coordinating with relevant organizations, enhancing understanding of rights and responsibilities, creating democratic community platforms, negotiating with agencies, and developing leadership capacities. Overall, the study highlights the significant role of social capital as a proactive mechanism in addressing drug-related problems and strengthening community resilience.