Social and Environmental Risk Management of Communities on the Thai-Lao Border

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to investigate the status and the social and environmental risk management of communities in the Thai-Lao border area. Qualitative research was carried out. Data were collected by in-depth interviews as well as participatory and non-participatory observation. The key informants included chairmen and committees of communities, elderly people, scholars, and knowledgeable people. There were two types of social and environmental risk management actions in the communities. One was informal risk management involving intuitive actions based on local traditions and customs through existing kinship ties and beliefs. The other was formal risk management that involved structural actions through community organizations and codes of conduct as well as regulations and laws of relevant governmental administrative units.