Conflict Management Between People and Wild Elephants in Ploung Thong Sub-District, Bo Thong District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

               The purpose of this research is to study the factors contributing to conflicts between the people and the wild elephants, as well as the guidelines for conflict management between people and the wild elephants in Ploung Thong Sub-District, Bo Thong District, Chon Buri Province. This research employs qualitative methods to collect data from various sources such as news websites, the internet, books related to the area, research papers, theses, academic articles, and journals, as well as through in-depth interviews. The main informants include local leaders such as village heads, sub-district headmen, community leaders, government officials, representatives of farmers in the area, academics, and representatives from relevant organizations.

               The findings reveal that the factors contributing to conflicts between people and wild elephants are: 1. Community expansion and encroachment on forest areas, 2. Economic, social, and local political structural expansion, 3. An increase in the number of wild elephants, and 4. Ecosystem changes that affect wild elephants. The conflict management strategies between people and wild elephants are summarized as follows: 1. Urgent problem-solving measures: The governor of Chonburi must establish a clear policy to address urgent issues, coordinating with the president of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, local government agencies in Bo Thong District, and other relevant government agencies. 2. Long-term problem-solving measures: The government must elevate the conflict between wild elephants and humans to a national agenda. A strategic plan addressing the issue holistically should be developed, integrating efforts from the government, local administrative organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society.