The Guidelines for Sustainable Water Management Underpinning Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of Patan Sub-district, Khun Tan District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This research aims to study the problems and solutions to landownership conflicts between the state and the people in the Chiang Khong Special Economic Zone, Chiang Rai Province, using qualitative research. Data was collected from official and informal leaders through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and content analysis. The results of the study found that the conflicts stemmed from different perspectives and definitions of land ownership. The state viewed the Boonruang community forest as a public area that did not generate economic value, so it should be developed into an industrial estate to generate income and develop the country. Meanwhile, the community viewed the forest as an important resource and a part of its way of life. Therefore, the community used strategies to protect its rights and negotiate state power through the promotion of local knowledge, the struggle and demands for public areas, the use of wisdom and beliefs, and the coordination of cooperation networks with external agencies. As a result, the state canceled the development plan in the area and adjusted the special economic zone policy to promote investment without providing state land. The approaches to resolving the land ownership conflicts between the state and the community that are likely to occur in the future include studying and understanding the area and stakeholders, creating a process for public participation, and improving laws to be appropriate for the context and changes in society. The community that is likely to occur in the future includes studying and understanding the area and stakeholders, creating a process for public participation, and improving laws to be appropriate for the context and changes in society.