PARTICIPATION NETWORK IN FOREST FIRE AND SMOG CONTROL IN THE AREA OF PHU PHA MAN FOREST FIRE CONTROL STATION, CHUM PHAE, KHON KAEN

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) study knowledge and understanding in solving forest fire and haze problems, 2) study participation of networks to solve forest fire and smog problems in Phu Pha Man National Park, and 3) study problems and approaches to participation in solving forest fire and smog problems. This research is mixed-methods, combining quantitative and qualitative research. The sample group and key informants were 40 members of the forest fire and smog problem-solving network in Phu Pha Man National Park, Khon Kaen Province. The research tools were questionnaires and interview guidelines. The statistics used in the research were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. In terms of qualitative data, use the interpretation method and categorize and analyze the content. The results of the research revealed that: 1) most men have knowledge of how to solve forest fires and smoke problems, which is classified by their personal characteristics; most men are between the ages of 31 and 40, have a high school education, are engaged in trade, and have an average monthly income of over 15,000 Baht. Most of them have lived in the community for more than 15 years. They have a lot of knowledge and understanding. The most frequently answered questions are: Forest fires destroy the habitats of wild animals, and forest fires occur all year round, which is the most wrong answer. It is understood that the main causes of forest fires are natural. 2) Network involved in addressing forest fire and smog issues in Phu Pha Man National Park High level of participation. The network that addresses forest fire and smog issues has the highest level of participation, including participation in forest fire control activities organized by the government and joining the operations of communities and 3) Problems and guidelines to improve participation in problem solving in Phu Pha Man National Park There is a lack of staff to extinguish forest fires; people in the area and surrounding communities lack knowledge and understanding to extinguish forest fires, as well as community cooperation. Development approaches for participating in addressing forest fire and smog issues include increasing and expanding the number of networks. The government should allow the network representatives to participate in various activities and processes.