Abstract:
This study attempts 1) to current situations in the operation of community enterprises in Map Ta Phut Complex; 2) to study problems and obstacles in the operation of community enterprises in Map Ta Phut Complex; and 3) to find a development guideline for community enterprises in Map Ta Phut Complex. This qualitative research study applied in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs from nine community enterprises by using purposive sampling technique. It was found from the study on current situations in the operation of community enterprises that the similar ways to operate the enterprises were money capital. Every group needs money to operate their businesses. Government sometimes support their businesses. For production, every group focused on raw natural materials in community or nearby areas. They produced their own recipe. For marketing, they planned to distribute products in local retail shops, government and private exhibitions. The problems and obstacles in the operation of community enterprises included accounting and financial problems, production problems, marketing problems, social media problems, production cost problems, and product design problems. For a development guideline to operate community enterprises, government sector plays an important role in terms of providing knowledge, skills in marketing promotion, capital, and regulations.