GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF COMMUNITY-BASED DISPUTE MEDIATORS UNDER THE DISPUTE MEDIATION ACT, B.E. 2562: A CASE STUDY OF CHALOEM PHRA KIAT DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the current situations, legal measures, and characteristics of public dispute mediators, as well as to propose guidelines for promoting and developing these mediators under the Dispute Mediation Act B.E. 2562 in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This study employs a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires from a sample of 396 participants and analyzed using statistical tools, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants and a focus group discussion with 5 participants, and subsequently analyzed using content analysis.

The research findings revealed that community dispute resolution mechanisms have evolved from kinship-based systems into the formal roles of local administrative authorities. Currently, there remains an overlap in duties between public dispute mediation centers and community justice centers. Mediators are required to be officially registered and comply with various laws, including both Acts of Parliament and subordinate legislation with the Dispute Mediation Act, B.E. 2562 (2019) serving as the primary governing law. Furthermore, the study indicated that informants prioritized the general qualifications, morals, ethics, and integrity of mediators. Effective mediators should possess a public mind, practical experience, and specialized training. Therefore, continuous training, knowledge-sharing, and public awareness should be promoted to enhance the efficiency and sustainable accessibility of the dispute mediation process. Furthermore, dispute mediators should ideally be members of the local community, equipped with both conflict resolution competencies and an understanding of the local socio-cultural context.