Enhancement of Community Management Connecting with the Development of the Northern Special Economic Corridor

Abstract

The objectives of this research were:1) to analyze community management problems linked to the development of the Northern Economic Corridor, 2) to develop guidelines for enhancing community management linked to the Northern Economic Corridor, and 3) to disseminate the guidelines for enhancing community management linked to the development of the Northern Economic Corridor. This mixed-method research employed multiple sample groups, including village headmen and people in the Chiang Rai Special Economic Zone. A multi-stage random sampling method was used to recruit 533 samples to respond to the questionnaire, and 15 informants involved in the interview were local administrators and village headmen. A workshop was also performed with 45 participants, including village headmen, people, local government officials, private sectors, and experts, to develop and disseminate the guidelines for enhancing community management. Quantitative data analysis was calculated for percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data employed content analysis and the results were presented in a descriptive analysis format.
The results showed firstly, the overall community management problems were rated high (𝑥̅=2.84, S.D. = 0.56). The three major problems were the community socio-cultural dimension, the conservation and
management of natural resources, and the roles of community leaders. Secondly, the guidelines for enhancing community management were proposed in seven areas: resource management, integrated working approaches, comprehensive communication, conservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of natural resources, opportunity for participation, prevention and measures for activities implementation, and building knowledge and understanding of digital technology. Finally, the dissemination of strategies covered three key areas: designing economic development plans for the area, building awareness and understanding, and developing methods or channels for information communication.