A study of spatial context and the quality of life of local fishermen after oil spills crisis in Rayong Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional research aims to study 1) the spatial context, 2) the level of quality of life, and 3) the need to improve the quality of life of local fishermen after facing the oil spill crisis at sea in Rayong Province. The sample group was purposively selected to be 380 local fishermen in Rayong Province who have been facing the oil spill crisis at sea since 2022, using a simple sampling method randomly selected the local fishermen according to the registration of local fishing community organizations with the Fisheries Department. The research data were collected using a questionnaire that was created along with observation and interview methods as follows: 1) personal information, 2) spatial context, 3) quality of life, and 4) needs for improving the quality of life of local fishermen. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution, finding the mean of research data and standard deviation together with content analysis.

The research results found that 1) the spatial context of Rayong Province Most local fishermen have been practicing local fishing since their ancestors. People of many different ethnicities come to make a living affected by industrial development in the environment, health, and occupation. It shows a fragile background based on overlapping myths in 6 areas: geography, history Historical aspects, social aspects, development aspects, health aspects, and career and investment aspects. 2) Quality of life level of local fishermen in Rayong Province. At a moderate level in 3 areas: family ( =3.72, S.D.=0.73), health, hygiene, and nutrition ( =3.24, S.D.= 0.64), and work-life ( =3.17, S.D.= 0.63), respectively, and quality Life is at a low level in 4 areas: education ( =2.92, S.D.= 2.69), environment and work safety ( =2.92, S.D.= 0.64), economic growth and income distribution ( =2.67, S.D.= 0.71 and the Pracharat aspect ( =2.48, S.D.= 0.78), respectively. 3) The need to develop the quality of life of local fishermen, the highest in the top 3, includes economic growth and income distribution. Environmental and work safety aspects and work life Accounted for 23.7%, 16.8%, and 16.6% respectively from the research results. This research suggests that improving the quality of life of local fishermen should be carried out in accordance with the needs of the community. There is continuity and support for sustainability in every dimension.