Exploring Grassroots Innovation: Field Visit to the Zero Baht Shop
How does development theory translate into real-world change? On October 10, 2025, graduate students from the MAIDS-GRID Program at Chulalongkorn University sought answers at the heart of a thriving community initiative - ‘the Zero Baht Shop’ - in Bangkok’s Prawet district. This field visit moved learning beyond textbooks, offering a on-the-ground example of how grassroots innovation can seamlessly integrate environmental sustainability with social and economic empowerment.
A Shop Where Waste is a Currency for Change
Founded in 2007 by the visionary community leader Peerathorn Seniwong (P’Thorn), the Zero Baht Shop operates on a simple yet powerful principle: community members can exchange recyclable materials, such as plastic bottles, paper, and cans, for essential household goods. This innovative model does more than just manage waste; it creates a localized circular economy that turns trash into tangible benefits for local livelihoods. The initiative’s impact, however, extends far beyond its recycling origins, blossoming into a holistic development ecosystem that tackles pressing community needs.
The visit was immersive and interactive. Students didn't just observe; they engaged including learning how to sort recycled materials and on preparing traditional herbal medicines. Through a tour of the activities, deep interaction with community members, and a dynamic Q&A session with P’Thorn and his team, theoretical concepts took on new meaning. Group discussions buzzed as students reflected on the visible role of social capital, empathetic leadership, and the power of collective action in driving community transformation.
The experience at the Zero Baht Shop left a powerful impression: sustainable development is most effective when it is rooted in the community. It reinforced the critical importance of bottom-up approaches that are responsive to local needs and contexts.This visit was a powerful reminder that the most profound solutions often emerge from within the community itself. The Zero Baht Shop is not just a shop; it's a practical blueprint for inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven transformation.
The Development Theory and Practice course at the MAIDS-GRID Program in Chulalongkorn University is committed to providing students with experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice.
Learn more about the Zero Baht Shop here:
https://www.facebook.com/0bahtshop/?locale=th_TH
EI EI LIN
Communication Coordinator
MAIDS-GRID Program
