Co-production in Rural Land Management: An Integrated Model for Collaboration of the Thai Community and the Public Sector

บทคัดย่อ

This research article aims to analyze 1) the key components that contribute to co-production between civil society and government in the management of land tenure in Thailand, and 2) the appropriate co-production process for rural land and housing governance in the Thai context. This is a qualitative research study based on three case studies in the northern region of Thailand: Ban Klang (Phrae), Mae Tia–Mae Tae (Chiang Mai), and Bua Yai (Nan). The target population included community leaders, members of local land management networks, government officers, and representatives from civil society organizations. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. Data was analyzed using content analysis and descriptive interpretation based on a framework of co-production and collaborative governance theories.

The findings revealed the following results in accordance with the research objectives: 1) The success of co-production requires fundamental components on the part of community members, including (1) empowered co-producers with strong leadership and communication skills (2) positive attitudes towards collaboration with the state (3) cultural foundations such as local norms, shared trust, and informal institutions and (4) social capital and collective pressure resulting from land insecurity. 2) The appropriate co-production process in the rural Thai context consists of three essential steps (1) collaborative goal setting through community-led mapping and consensus building (2) negotiating mutual benefits between state and community actors by establishing flexible and adaptive agreements and (3) co-implementation mechanisms including local working groups, participatory monitoring, and platforms for joint review.

The study synthesizes an integrated co-production model that connects input factors, co-productive processes, and multi-dimensional outcomes. These outcomes include individual empowerment, strengthened community cohesion, and a shift in government roles from control to facilitation. The model offers an applicable framework for sustainable rural land governance through participatory and adaptive policy approaches.