Contested Space: The Kut Ting Ramsar Site in Bueng Kan Province, Thailand

Abstract

This thesis aimed to study two issues: 1) the relationship between local people, the government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) following the change in land access and land use in Kut Ting; and 2) the local people’s attempts to negotiate to preserve their traditional use of the land. The qualitative research employed the “Thirdspace” concept of Edward Soja and Homi Bhabha. This research shows that the Kut Ting Wetland has been designated a Ramsar Site which has generated new meaning for the local inhabitants from “living” to “preservation” and now local people have lost their right to use the land as they had in the past. This has created a contested relationship between the local people, the government, and NGOs administering the land under the Ramsar Convention. The local inhabitants used indigenous beliefs to demonstrate their identity and power at the Kut Ting Wetland.