Guidelines for Sustainable Water Resources Management by Communities in the Mun River Basin, Thailand
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Abstract
This article investigates guidelines for sustainable water resource management by communities in the Mun River Basin (Surin and Roi-Et, Thailand), near the Rasi-Salai Dam, where access to water remains problematic despite the dam’s intended storage function. This qualitative research, based on interviews and observations with 43 residents, officials, and scholars, employed data analysis tools including SWOT, the TOWS Matrix, and civil society frameworks. The findings support collaborative water management and strengthen civil society's negotiating power between people and government. Welfare systems were also found to promote group solidarity and empower local communities. The study proposes five strategic recommendations: (1) equal representation of civil society and government on river basin committees; (2) impartial conflict mediation by community leaders; (3) clear budgetary agreements between national and local governments; (4) equitable enforcement of laws; and (5) prioritized resource allocation for vulnerable groups to reduce inequality and prevent internal conflicts.
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