CULTURAL MANAGEMENT IN THE FUTURE OF THE ETHNIC KHMER GROUPS IN SA KAEO SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

Abstract

The article aims to investigate the current cultural management approach to the Khmer ethnic group in the Sa Kaeo Special Economic Zone and propose model cultural management guidelines. The article employed qualitative methods using in-depth interviews with 30 key informants, consisting of Khmer ethnic leaders in the Sa Kaeo Special Economic Zone, experts in ethnicity, and relevant public and private agencies. This article employed context analysis and thematic analysis of data retrieved from in-depth interviews.

The article employed qualitative methods, context analysis and thematic analysis of data retrieved from in-depth interviews.

The findings revealed that the government has previously operated relying on a state-centric approach and a state as a main actor in community development. The Khmer ethnic community in the Sa Kaeo Special Economic Zone has to be implemented according to top-down policy planning. In addition, the budget allocation, to Khmer ethnic group-related projects in the Sa Kaeo Special Economic Zone, was provided to the project submitted by relevant agencies under the supervision of the budging and strategic planning of Sa Kaeo Province. This reveals that the budget allocated to the Khmer ethnic group is inconsistent and uncertain. This study recommends that the Khmer ethnic groups should establish a Co-Located Nonprofit Organization equivalent to an "Association," "Institution,” or "juristic person" regarding the Charities Act. This could increase autonomy, bargaining power, and the ability to legitimize resource mobilization to carry out their own projects. In this respect, the state can continuously provide financial support through provincial budget allocation to the foundation. In addition, the established organization or foundation's operations should take into account collaborative governance with community culture-based development as a basis for its sustainability