CONFLICT MANAGEMENT ON NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE SALWEEN RIVER BASIN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

      This research aims to study, firstly, the context and pattern in the conflict management on natural resources in the Salaween river basin community  Secondly, to study the dimension and strategy that community use in solving conflict, and lastly, to study both weak/strongpoint of the old conflict management form in order to improve the conflict management in the community. The qualitative research methodology was used through the key informants both from inside and outside the community. The research tools used in this study were as follows: Participated and Non-Participated Observation, Examine Interview and Focus group. The data was analyzed, in the restricted frame, by following the Conflict and Conflict Resolution Management concept, The Structure and Duty Theory, Networking concept, Miller’s concept on Relation between Human and Ecological System, The Sustainable Development concept, The Participation concept, and Philosophy of the Sufficiency Economy.  Following the research theory and concept flamwork.The result found in this study was 4 types of the conflicts on the natural resources in the Salaween basin in Om-Koi district area as follows: Conflict between the community and the state, conflict between community and community nearby, conflict within the community, and conflict between the community and the economically influential people. The conflict management patterns that people used were adjusting the old tradition and informal negotiation, networking, building the community organization, and co-management. The dimensions used were cultural, social, political and economical dimension. Their strategy used was through strong leaders, participation from the community, network and community organization. The pattern that is suitable to manage the conflict on the natural resources in the Salaween river basin in Om-Koi district area is the co-management between community, state, community organization, community learning group, local learning network, the natural resources and environment management model project, and also to follow Majesty the King’s idea project on sufficiency economy in the area.