THE MILL AND COMMUNITY "RELATIONSHIP THAT FADE OVER TIME?" A CASE STUDY OF NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the relationship between the mill and the community in the past and present. 2) examine the factors that have caused changes in the relationship between the mill and the community. 3) investigate the effects of changes in the relationship between the mill and the community and 4) find ways to develop relationships between the mill and the community. The key informants were divided into 3 three groups: mill operators, community leaders, and farmers. It was found that each group of key informants reached data saturation at 30 participants, respectively. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview, focusing on past and present relationships, the effects of changes, and the development of relationships according to the concept of sustainable development. The researcher used thematic analysis and then triangulated the data. The analysis results found that The mill and the community used to have good relations with each other but over time and due to various factors, the relationship has changed. Although the relationship between the mill and the community has changed, it has not directly affected either side. However, it has impacted the unity within the community Developing a sustainable relationship between the mill and the community is divided into three areas: 1) economic aspect, creating large agricultural plots; promoting organic farming groups, and providing support funds for communities to develop modern agricultural tools and machinery. 2) social aspect: finding ways to reduce disputes between mills and communities and building trust and unity. 3) environmental aspect, incorporating technology to find ways to reduce pollution from the rice mill production process.