Process of Creating Local Ordinances as a Community Resource Management Mechanism

Abstract

This research aims to study the process of creating local ordinances as a community resource management mechanism as well as the legal framework and political factors used to push through local ordinances. The concepts used in this research include the concepts of decentralization, natural resources management, and social movement. The targeted areas are Tambon Mae Sad and Ban Phe in Thailand. The key informants in the research are community leaders, government officials and academics. Data was collected through conducting interviews and recording observations. The research findings were as follows: 1) The process of creating local regulations as a community resource management mechanism helped create the movement of people in the management of natural resources and environment and the development of democracy at the local level, share the power through the local government, and strengthen the constitutional rights. In short, the process increased the people’s power to fight against forest officials who have centralized legal power in the management of natural resources. 2) In terms of the structural conditions, there are legal and political implications for the promotion of local ordinances. There are some laws and policies that favor and disrupt the process of making local ordinances. Local communities have seen more decentralization opportunities for local government organizations. The state creating local ordinances as a tool for managing shared resources is another option. This includes the knowledge and local wisdom used in sustainable resource management.