The Institute of Research and Development and The Center ...masterorg.wu.ac.th/file/ird-20091030-tW1op.pdf · Underground water in the basin was safe for consumption. 5. Ninety-six

The Institute of Research and Developmentand

The Center for Academic ServicesWalailak University

Telephone : 66-7567-3557, 66-7567-3531Fax : 66-7567-3553, 66-7567-3525

E-mail : [email protected], [email protected] : http://ird.wu.ac.th

http://ird.wu.ac.th

Annual Research Abstracts 2002-2003 Walailak University

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A Seminar on the Synthesis of the Current Body of KnowledgeConcerning the Pak Panang BasinT. PAKAWANIT1, P. TANTICHODOK2, P. GOTHAMASON3, N. BOONSUAYKHWANE3,

P. PRAMOJANEE4, M. ISSARAKRAISILA5,W. CHOOSAMER6, S. VADHANAVIKIT6,P. KONGKIATNGAM5, U. DARUMAT2, R. KOTCHASAENGSAN7, K. PONGPINITSUK6

and K. AUGJIKOOL7

Institute of Management1, Institute of Science2, Institute of Liberal Arts3,Institute of Engineering and Resources4, Institute of Agricultural Technology5

Institute of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health6 and Institute of Research and DevelopmenT7,Walailak University, Tasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

(E-mail : [email protected])The main objective of the seminar was to brainstorm ideas on the problems and needs of

this poverty-stricken area with a view to formulating appropriate development strategies. Participants in the seminar included academics, local residents, representatives from the mass media, and those from state agencies who were engaged in doing research as well as implementing the research findings in the development project. The outcome of the seminar would provide a broad conceptual framework for further research which would involve community participation and be conducted within the socio-economic context of the community.

In summary, the following data were presented at the seminar:1. Considerable resources had been expended to develop the infrastructure of the

region, but improvement was still needed in terms of the people’s quality of life and protection of life and property.

2. The mangrove forest in the coastal area, which could be inundated by seawater, had been widely encroached on for shrimp farming.

3. Department of Land Development had completed land use zoning in the Pak Panang Basin.

4. Underground water in the basin was safe for consumption.5. Ninety-six species of aquatic animals had become extinct in the wake of the

operation of the water gate.6. Fruit trees and perennial plants, particularly rubber tree, had been extensively

planted, while rice paddies had been abandoned on a large scale. Livestock was mainly kept for family consumption. Tiger prawn farming had had a disastrous effect on the environment

7. Some customs and traditions of the local people had either eroded away or permanently disappeared

8. Contagious diseases were still a serious public health concern. The unhealthy environment and social problems contributed to the people’s bad health status.

The main points of the discussion at the seminar on future strategies for enhancing the community’s strength on the basis of its socio-economic background, cultural capital, and current ecological system were as follows:

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1. The environmental problems were too complex to be solved by a single method.2. In the development process, high priority should be given to the conservation of

the community’s socio-cultural structure and the people’s way of life. However, a way to maintain the state of equilibrium between the people’s way of life and the ecological system must be thought out.

3. In some countries, social problems and the problem of income distribution were attributable to the development process.

4. The central problem requiring urgent solution was the serious erosion of the community’s social and economic “capital.” The way in which government subsidy was given to the community did not promote self-reliance. No attention had been paid to the community’s learning potential.

5. Some of the people’s ideas and practices militated against the development process.

Suggestions and recommendations from the participants can be summed up as follows:1. The mangrove forest should be restored. The present condition of “Phroo-Khuan-

Khreng” needs to be maintained, and greater care should be taken of the mountains as headwaters.

2. An intermediary is needed to work out a land-zoning master plan to be drawn up on the basis of current available data on the physical features and use of the land.

3. The problems in the Pak Panang Basin can be solved through the system of water management under the control of a committee.

4. Success in the development of the Pak Panang Basin lies in the proper management of land and water resources.

5. In the next phase of development, a top priority should be given to sustainable development as well as occupational development.

6. The organizations involved in the development of the basin should be geared towards public participation.

7. The research framework should allow for participation by both local residents and individuals or groups who will use research findings in the development project.

Key words: Basin, mangroves, peat swamp forest, fruit trees, rubber, fisheries, rice paddy.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report. (Seminar at Twin Lotus Hotel, Muang, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

March 29-30, 2001.)Other Co-authors: N. Pakamatawee, N. Song-iat, K. Suksa-ard, N. Tanthana and M. Mitraprasat(Institute of Research and Development)


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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs for Researchon Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region : Rice FarmersNarong BOONSUAYKHWANE1, Suebpong THAMMACHAT1, Somjai PIMON2,

Kullaporn UNNANON2 and Supat POOPAKAInstitute of Liberal Arts1 and Institute of Management2, Walailak University,

Tasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand(E-mail : [email protected])

The aim of this study was 1) to examine the problems and needs of the people in the Pak Panang Basin region whose occupation is rice farming; and 2) to make policy suggestions regarding the development of the Pak Panang Basin region.

It was found that the problems associated with the production of rice included a lack of water in certain areas, inadequate farming equipment especially for ploughing and harvesting, and labour supply since the average age of rice farmers was increasing all the time. Moreover, the soil had been severely depleted as a result of continuous farming and a lack of proper care for the soil.Production costs had also increased due to the government’s support for new rice-farming methods that required capital investment in modern technology. This in turn had resulted in increased indebtedness among rice farmers.

Although less critical than the inadequate water supply for rice production, the low market price of rice was still a fundamental problem for rice farmers.. The culture of social interaction based upon the cash economy had replaced the former system of social relations which emphasised ties of obligation, mutual help, generosity and mutual assistance, and kinship among rice farmers. This led to increased dependence on the government and the market for the rice farmers’ everyday needs.

The problems facing rice farmers may thus be summarised as a lack of water for rice production which is an important problem that must be addressed; the low market price of rice; and the use of inappropriate and costly technology for rice production.

Suggested solutions to these problems within the social context of the rice culture of the Pak Panang Basin region are: 1) more efficient water management in the Pak Panang Basin region; 2) establishment of a centre for the study and development of the Pak Panang Basin region; 3) a study of small schools run by the local community; and 4) development of a network of community organisations.Key words: Rice, fertilizer, rice-farming technology, water supply.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Kajohnyut Augjikool (Institute of Research and Development)

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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs for Researchon Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region: Mixed FarmingPaitoon MIKUSOL1, Suebpong THAMMACHAT1, Chusak PRESCOTT2,

Narong BOONSUAYKHWANE1, Nuntawan YODPIJIT1

and Supat POOPAKAInstitute of Liberal Arts1and Institute of Information Management2, Walailak University,


The study was designed to find out the priorities of the people engaged in mixed farming in the Pak Panang Basin in terms of their perceived problems and needs by holding focus group discussions in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. These were held at Bang Khlong village school in Pak Panang District; Phibunsongkhram school in Hua Sai District; and Wat Bang Bucha, Pak Panang District. Each focus group comprised 15 - 20 village and community representatives. The results were as follows:Problems in order of priority

1. Lack of water for fruit and rice growers due to insufficient rainfall.2. Price fluctuations for agricultural produce resulting in low average prices for

rice and other crops.3. Ecological problems, eg the inflow of salt water from Hua Sai canal into

fruit orchards or the use of chemicals in the rice fields and in the vegetable or fruit-growing areas which had left toxic residues that were dangerous to humans and animals.

4. Problems arising from the conflict in water-use by shrimp farmers and fruit growers which gave rise to constant disputes.

5. Diseases affecting fruit trees and infestation of pests such as insects and mice.

Needs in order of priority1. Opening of the dam to allow the mixing of salt water and fresh water as in

the past in order to restore the eco-system of the region and its abundant marine life.

2. Government assistance to fruit growers in marketing their produce, provision of agricultural knowledge to farmers, and restoration of the region's fisheries to their former state.

3. Strengthening of the farmers’ collective bargaining power in determining market prices of their produce and construction of an irrigation canal from the main Cha-uat canal to bring water to the various fruit-growing areas.

4. Better government protection of the farmers’ property by increasing the number of security officers patrolling the area to deal with the increase in theft of equipment and produce of fruit growers.

Recommendations

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1. The research findings should be published to enable students and other interested people to learn about this subject.

2. The findings should be sent to research organizations in the region, eg the Tambon Administration Organizations as well as schools.

3. The findings should also be sent to relevant Ministries and the Bureau of University Affairs as a guideline for further research into various problems and ways of helping the villagers.

4. Walailak University should support on-going research projects for the benefit of the people of the Pak Panang Basin region.

Key words: Fruit tree, insecticides, eco-system, saltwater, environmental conditions.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Kajohnyut Augjikool (Institute of Research and Development)


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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs forResearch on Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region :Fruit and Rubber GrowersMontree ISSARAKRAISILA1, Padungsak SUKSA-ARD1, Potjamarn

SURANINPONE1, Kaewjai SUKSA-ARD2, Vitoon INTAMANEE3, TretonTAEWCHAI3, Somchooke NAGARA3, Teerapun JULAKAN4, Nobpadol

PUNTARAK5 and Supat POOPAKAInstitute of Agricultural Technology1, Institute of Research and Development2, Divisionof Land and Building4 and Division of Personnel5, Walailak University, Tasala, Nakhon

Si Thammarat 80160, Provincial Agricultural Extension Office3 , Muang, Nakhon SiThammarat 80000, Thailand(E-mail : [email protected])

This study of the priorities of the fruit growers and rubber cultivators in the Pak Panang Basin region in terms of their perceived problems and needs began in May 2003. Five focus group discussions were organised for cultivators of different crops: 1) mangosteen growers; 2) rambutan growers; 3) durian growers 4) rubber tree growers; and 5) new economic crop growers (green coconut, pomelo and mango). Three distinctgroups of participants provided information at each discussion: 1) 10 - 14 cultivators who had grown that particular crop for a long time and had a good knowledge and understanding of the cultivation of that crop; 2) 1 - 2 local researchers from the NakhonSi Thammarat Provincial Agricultural Office who were responsible for fruit growing and rubber tree cultivation; and 3) 5 - 6 academics and staff from Walailak University who gathered data and organised the discussion.

The results indicated that three common problems existed in the cultivation of each crop: 1) production technology: most growers believed that they lacked sufficient knowledge to maximize the yield and quality of each crop, especially for the export market; 2) diseases and pests: this common problem reduced the quantity and quality of the crop and required considerable use of chemicals; and 3) irrigation water from the Pak Panang Project: there were many areas where growers did not have enough water and, in certain areas, the irrigation system that had been constructed was inappropriate to the needs of the growers.

The perceived needs of the growers in order of priority were: 1) support for and dissemination of appropriate agricultural technology, eg establishing an agricultural school; 2) collaborative research by growers and researchers into ways of solving the various problems in the region so that the results directly met the real needs of the growers; 3) direct participation by local growers in the management of the region's irrigation system so as to maximise its benefits and leave a minimal negative impact on the local community; and 4) support for growers to establish producer groups to strengthen their productive capacity, capital investment and marketing.

Suggestions for further research are as follows: 1) conduct a comparative study by examining the volume of production, quality and income from fruit growing which



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makes use of technology and proper management techniques in comparison with the traditional methods of fruit growing; 2) study the areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province which are directly exposed to the monsoon making it possible to produce fruit out of season under natural conditions; 3) study methods of controlling root rot disease affecting durian trees; 4) study the possibility of produce processing in order to add value to the commodity as well as development of appropriate post-harvest technologyto increase the storage life of fresh produce; 5) study and provide support for growers to make more use of organic farming methods; and 6) conduct further study and experiments to develop seeds and plant stock which are appropriate to the environmental conditions of the Pak Panang Basin region.Key words: Mangosteen, rambutan, durian, rubber, environmental conditions.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Kajohnyut Augjikool (Institute of Research and Development)


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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs forResearch on Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region :Local FisheriesSuebpong THAMMACHAT, Paitoon MIKUSOL, Narong BOONSUAYKHWANE

and Supat POOPAKAInstitute of Liberal Arts, Walailak University,


The objective of this study was to find out what were the most important problems experienced by fishermen in the Pak Panang Basin region and what their needs were. The research was conducted in three geographical areas of Pak Panang District: Bang Duan village, Ban Phraek Sub-district (fishing in inland waterways); Ton Had village, East Pak Panang Sub-district (fishing in the bay area); and Na Kot village, Thaphaya Sub-district (fishing in the coastal area). As fishermen from other sub-districts and districts also participated in the focus group discussions held in each area a wide range of data was collected. Observation and additional interviews supplemented data collected from focus group discussions.

The most critical problem was the drastic reduction of marine life in the areas under investigation which resulted in much lower catches for the fishermen and had a major effect on the people's way of life and livelihood. This was due to inadequate water flow from the Pak Panang River following the construction of the water gate which was rarely opened. The lack of water flow impacted on the life cycle of marine life. Many species of fish had disappeared, and many waterways had silted up or were clogged up by water hyacinth weed. The resultant stagnant and smelly water in many areas adversely affected the breeding of various marine species.

Drastic reduction of marine life especially fish in the coastal waters was due to the use of large drag nets, rua lun and rua khan sai pu . This method of fishing, which resulted in catches of very large quantities of fish including small marine life, caused a rapid reduction of marine life in the area and was harmful to the breeding cycle of coastal marine species.

The Pak Panang Bay area also experienced a reduction of marine life as a result of the stagnant and polluted water in the canals and waterways. In addition, large areas of mangroves, a major breeding ground for marine life, had been destroyed. A further problem was water pollution caused by the run-off of chemicals used in various agricultural activities including crop growing, raising animals, and especially shrimp farming. Water from shrimp farms polluted the waterways leading to water use problems and harmful effects on the breeding and growth of marine life.

The needs of local fishermen in the Pak Panang region can only be met by ensuring that the quality of water is good enough to support the region's various marine species in order to increase the quantity of marine life for local fisheries. To this end the water gate should be opened more often. The operation of large fishing trawlers should



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be more strictly regulated according to the law. The mangroves should be restored to their former abundance. A further need is to control the use of chemicals in agriculture and other activities because it is detrimental to marine life and causes water use problems. Financial assistance in the form of low interest loans should be available for local fisheries.Key words: Fisheries, water gate, weed, marine life, mangroves.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Nuson Song–iat (Institute of Research and Development)


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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs for Researchon Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region : Peat Swamp ForestPitiwong TANTICHODOK1, Siwarit PONGSAKORNRUNGSILP2,

Pimlapas PONGSAKORNRUNGSILP2, Tanit SOMPONG3, Nuson SONG-IAT4,Rachada KOTCHASAENGSAN4, Kajohnyut AUGJIKOOL4,

Phennapha SUANTHONG3, and Supat POOPAKAInstitute of Science1, Institute of Management2, The Center of Academic Services3and

Institute of Research and Development4, Walailak University, Tasala, Nakhon SiThammarat 80160, Thailand(E-mail : [email protected])

The aim of this study was to gather opinions from stakeholders in the area about problems that they faced. It attempted to place in order of importance their concerns, clarify the problem statements, and determine achievable goals. The findings of the collaborative research by the stakeholders in the various communities and the academics would be presented to relevant state agencies at both local and national levels. The study was also concerned with finding ways of solving existing problems with the aim of developing research and development projects that emphasized appropriate sustainable development in the context of local diversity. Focus group discussions were held to collect data from key informants representing people who made their living from the peat swamp forest as well as the communities living in and around the area. We organised two focus group discussions, and four smaller discussions. A total of 92 people from 14 sub-districts in 7 districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Patthalung Provinces participated in two focus group discussions and four smaller discussions.

These discussions revealed that the major problems for communities in the peat swamp forest were their lack of recognized land title; declining natural abundance in the peat swamp forest; a lack of potable drinking water and water for agricultural use; stagnant water; and reforestation programs which focused on non-native Samet trees resulting in a lack of biodiversity.

The perceived needs of the villagers in the peat swamp forest were: 1) cleardemarcation of land use zones, namely, land reserved for villagers' use, protected forest areas,and the forest areas which can be used by the villagers; 2) community participation in therestoration and management of peat swamp forest resources; 3) protection of the marshlandsfrom drought; 4) replanting of indigenous trees to restore biodiversity; and 5) a canallinking the Cha-uat and Phraek Muang canals to Thale Noi Lake.

Recommendations relating to the problems and needs of the people in the peat swamp forest can be divided into two groups: research and development. Recommendations for further research include a study of biodiversity in the peat swamp forest, eg plant species, bird-life and other animals, marine life, and their major habitats; a study of water flow into the peat swamp forest and adjacent areas; a study to find out what water level is appropriate to ensure the health of the peat swamp forest; a study of land use demarcation; a study of changes in the eco-system following bushfires; a study of the effects on the peat swamp forest



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of the construction of the Cha-uat - Phraek Muang canal; a study of the peat swamp forest community and surrounding communities; a study of the villagers' local wisdom in protecting and restoring the marshlands; a study into the use of jute, products made from jute, and the importance of jute to the way of life of the communities of the marshlands.

Short-term recommendations for action include helping local communityorganizations to protect and monitor changes in the peat swamp forest; providing opportunities for communities to participate in state development projects; supporting networks of cultivators of jute and producers of jute products; promoting forest management in the form of community forest; organizing action seminars to develop measures and guidelines to protect the peat swamp forest from bushfire; organizing local educational programs to help the youth learn about local resources and instill into them an awareness of the need to protect the forest; and planting native species of trees in the peat swamp forest. Medium- term recommendations include establishing clear demarcation of the national protected forest, areas where hunting is prohibited, and areas which villagers can use to make a living; promoting networks of community organizations to protect and restore the peat swamp forest; and setting up a "Management Committee for the Khuan Khreng Marshlands" made up of stakeholders from every related sector. Long-term recommendations include providing research funds for communities to develop research projects and find co-researchers.Key words: Peat swamp forest, biodiversity, samet trees, marshlands, bushfire.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Rachada Kotchasaengsan (Institute of Research and Development)


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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs forResearch on Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region :Nipa Palm GroupPatrick JORY1, Nuntawan YODPIJIT1 , Nuson SONG-IAT2, Tanit SOMPONG3

Kajohnyut AUGJIKOOL2, Nattee PAKAMATAWEE1, Phennapha SUANTHONG3,Rachada KOTCHASAENGSAN4 and Supat POOPAKA

Institute of Liberal Arts1, Institute of Research and Development2 and The Center of AcademicServices3, Walailak University, Tasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

(E-mail : [email protected])The objective of this research project was to investigate the problems and needs

of people in the Pak Panang Basin region who cultivated the Nipa Palm for their livelihood. A series of three focus group discussions were attended by a broad range of Nipa Palm cultivators: villagers from regions designated "salt water" zones as well as those designated "fresh water zones"; villagers who cultivated the Nipa Palm as their primary source of income as well as those for whom it provided a supplementary income; and villagers involved in producing the various products that could be made from the Nipa Palm, including roofing, cigarette paper, sugar, vinegar, and whisky.

Villagers emphasized how important cultivating the Nipa Palm had been in the past as a regular and reliable source of income for families in the Pak Panang Basin region. Nipa Palm groves also played an important part in the natural ecosystem of Pak Panang as a place of abundant marine life that also provided additional income for local fishermen. However, villagers from most regions pointed out that recently Nipa Palmtrees in the region had produced far fewer fruit. They tended to attribute the cause of this to dramatic changes in the quality of the water since the implementation of the Pak Panang Basin Development Project. In the zones designated "salt water" the water had become extremely salty, while in the designated "fresh water" zones the water had become too fresh. This change apparently affected the health of the Nipa Palm, which grew in brackish water and was thus ideally suited to the natural environment of Pak Panang. There had also been a dramatic decline in the marine life around the Nipa Palm groves. Both changes seriously affected villagers' income.

In terms of needs, villagers wanted the value of the Nipa Palm and the ecosystem of brackish water to be recognised by the government, and local communities in Pak Panang be allowed to have greater participation in matters relating to water control in the Pak Panang Basin region. Many villagers expressed frustration that major changes to the natural environment affecting the villagers’ livelihood had been made with little, if any, consultation with the villagers themselves.Key words: Palm, fresh water zone, brackish water, sugar, vinegar, marine species.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Rachada Kotchasaengsan (Institute of Research and Development)



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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs for Researchon Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region : Urban CommunityWichien CHOOSAMER, Rustanasit TIPWONG, Chamnong THANAPOP,

Monthon LERTCANAWANICHAKUL, Siriuma JAWJIT, Panatda PIBUL,Supaporn KONGSAWAT, Supawadee SINNARAPRASAT, Jiraporn JAROENPOOL

and Supat POOPAKAInstitute of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health, Walailak University, Tasala,

Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand(E-mail : [email protected])

As a follow-up to the previous study in 2001, this study was designed to explore and explain the existing problems, community needs, and expectations of key informants representing urban inhabitants in the Pak Panang Basin as a basis for further research and development . Five urban communities were involved: 3 in the low plain area and 2 inthe upland area. A total of 71 heterogeneous key informants participated in the studyincluding local political leaders, civil servants, health volunteers, senior citizens , housekeepers, personnel of NGOs and the general public.

Five focus group discussions were held with 13-15 participants in each group responding to 4 carefully constructed questions which were designed to facilitate group discussion and reflection. Data gathering and recording methods included notetaking by researchers, audio tape recording, informants’ cards, picture drawing, and mind mapping.

The study revealed four perceived urban community problems in order of priority: lack of clean water supply; community waste water and shrimp farming waste water disposal; flooding; social and economic social problems. There was a desire forgreater community participation in the management of the natural environment and resources as well as social and economic planning for self-directed community development.Key words: Clean and waste water, flood, conflict management, socio-economic.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Nuson Song-iat (Institute of Research and Development)



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A Study of Socio-economic Problems and Needs forResearch on Development of the Pak Panang Basin Region :Shrimp FarmingSataporn DIREKBUSRAKOM1, Pipop PRABNARONG2, Decha NUNTAPICHAI3,

Suthira THONGKAO2, Jenjira KAEWRAT2, Teerapun JULAKAN4 and SupatPOOPAKA

Institute of Agricultural Technology1, Institute of Engineering and Resources2,Institute of Information Management3 and Division of Land and Building4,

Walailak University, Tasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand(E-mail : [email protected])

Since 1980 shrimp farming has been expanding throughout the Pak Panang Basin, Nakorn Si Thammarat Province, from the coastal to the inland areas. As shrimp production becomes more intensive, the incidence of diseases has increased along withmanagement problems. This in turn has resulted in significant economic losses.

Three group meetings of shrimp farmers were organized by Walailak University to discuss the fundamental problems of shrimp farming in the Pak Panang Basin. It was found that low selling price was the greatest burden for shrimp farmers. Other problemswere low quality of post larvae and shrimp feed, inefficient operation, improper treatment of effluent from shrimp farms, and lack of coordination among the farmers themselves. Suggested solutions included a government- guaranteed price, better control of the quality of larvae and shrimp feed, and establishment of a government agency to promote and disseminate technical knowledge of shrimp farming.Key words: Low quality of post larvae, shrimp feed, effluent treatment, poor marketing

system.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.Coordinator: Rachada Kotchasaengsan (Institute of Research and Development)



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Community Participation in the District andProvincial Developmental ProcessLertchai SIRICHAI1, Tanit SOMPONG2, Mana CHOUYCHOO2 and

Peem PAKAMATAWEE2

Institute of Liberal Arts1 and The Center of Academic Services2, Walailak University,Tasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

(E-mail : [email protected])It is essential that the community is actively involved in the process of local

development because its genuine needs can be identified and locality-specific problems effectively resolved. This development strategy will gradually enhance the capacity of the community to the point of being able to take full responsibility for its own affairs as well as the matters concerning society at large.

Every province has witnessed the public movement towards the creation of “provincial civil society.” Due to the different context of its emergence and “ social capital ”, the provincial civil society in each province has its own distinctive character, but shares the common goal of endeavouring to create the learning process for community participation in the public decision-making process for local development. Thus the provincial civil society is a significant mechanism that can be utilized by the government for supporting community participation in the development process.

In the past government officials played the key role in both the making and the implementation of the district or provincial development plan. However, as the implementation of the plan takes place in the local community, it is important that the planning process be adjusted to allow full public participation to ensure that the reality of local needs and problems was tackled. In addition, public participation in the process will help to develop and strengthen the local civil society.

It is vital that the provincial civil society is given the opportunity to take part in the process of making, implementing, and evaluating the development plan. It should be entitled to have its ideas included in the plan, to make adjustments to the plan, and to be directly involved in its implementation. The level of its participation in the planning and implementation process should be significant enough for it to be able to influence the decisions on issues related to the plan.

It is also imperative that the provincial civil society be supported to increase active involvement of its constituent communities and to improve its ability to disseminate information to them. Effective channels of communication include local radio or TV programmes, the communal public address system, local newspapers, the establishment of community focus groups, traditional social institutions, local performing arts, visits etc. The provincial civil society can organize activities to encourage more people to participate in the planning process by identifying leadership groups and organizations, promoting the community learning activities and networking with other provincial civil societies.

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The enlargement of the “jurisdiction” of the provincial civil society through a network of civil societies at tambol and district levels will ensure continuing public participation in the local development process.

Key words: Provincial civil society, social capital, community participation, learning activities, information dissemination.

Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.


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Local History Research: Mae Chao Yu HuaChalor IAMSUT* and Tanit SOMPONG1

Mae Chao Yu Hua Sub-district, Chian Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80190*,The Center of Academic Services1, Walailak University,


During the royal visit to Village No.5 in Mae Chao Yu Hua Sub-district, Chian Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Her Majesty the Queen asked the local people about the origin of the name of Mae Chao Yu Hua Sub-district. The people could not provide an unequivocal answer regarding the history of the area. As a result of this, a group of local residents decided to research the history of Mae Chao Yu Hua so that they would know the local history that could be passed on to posterity.

A research team led by Mr. Chalor Iamsut, Headman of Village No.3, Mae Chao Yu Hua Sub-district, Chian Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, obtained a grant from The Thailand Research Fund (TRF). The project, which was undertaken from 1 March 2001 to 28 February 2002, was designed to find out the authentic historical origin and development of Mae Chao Yu Hua Sub-district through a process of community participation in collaborative research. Data were collected from the Mae Chao Yu Hua Sub-district as well as the National Museum, the National Library, ThaoKhot Temple, Rajabhat Institute Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phra Nang Tra Temple in TasalaDistrict, Thaksin Studies Institute, Tha Khura Temple, Songkhla Province, Phra Thong Temple, Phra Nang Sang Temple, Phuket Province, Phra Buddhasihing Temple, ThamPhra Phut Temple, Trang Province, Takian Bang Kaeo Temple, Phra Koet Temple, Phatthalung Province, and Langkawi Island, Malaysia.

Research method included collection of field data from relevant documents and research findings, participatory observations, interviewing elders, visits to significant sites, study of antiquities, and recorded legends and images. Data analysis was conducted by organized community forums.

The findings revealed that Mae Chao Yu Hua (Queen Lueat Khao) was a commoner who had white blood from birth, but later became King Si Thammasokarat V’s wife. She performed many meritorious deeds throughout her life by building and maintaining several temples. She went to Sri Lanka on behalf of the King of Nakhon Si Thammarat to bring Phra Buddhasihing statute, the Buddha’s relic, and a sacred bo tree back to Nakhon Si Thammarat. She later went to the capital city of Sukhothai where she stayed for five years propagating Buddhist teachings and practice for the laity. She passed away more than 745 years ago.Key words: Queen Lueat Khao, Mae Chao Yu Hua Sub-district,

King Si Thammasokarat V, Sri Lanka, Sukhothai, Buddhist.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.• Chalor Iamsut and his 12 research team members.

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Development Strategy for Community Financial OrganizationsPeem PAKAMATAWEE

The Center of Academic Services, Walailak University,Tasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

(E-mail : [email protected])"Community financial organizations" is the generic name given to savings

groups that provide loans to their members. Following the government's promotion ofthis practice throughout the country under the name of "Village Funds" there were majorchanges in the nature of the community financial organizations. For this reason it isimportant to study how they operate and the impact of the changes that have taken placein order to provide more support for these groups in the future. This is a case study ofseven community financial organizations in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The projectwas based on the "research for local communities" concept in which the communityfinancial organizations came up with the research questions and found out the answersthemselves. The results therefore have a direct benefit for the groups involved in helpingthem solve problems in order to further develop their potential. Moreover, the knowledgegained is the result of the learning process that has taken place with the group havingcarried out the research themselves. Five of the community financial organizations wishto use the lessons learned from the research project to further develop their groups'potential. The other two groups want to study ways of managing their funds in order tostrengthen their unity and maximize the benefits for their members. Study methodsincluded documentary examination of the groups' activities, interviews of groupmembers, surveys, participant observation, discussion groups, and organized forums tocompare results of the research project among the seven groups. There were also fieldtrips to study examples of successful groups for future development plans. The researchrevealed that apart from managing funds for the community these financial organizationswere also involved in community business. They managed budgets for the communityand also provided advice on community development. Although certain aspects of theorganizations' operations received government support, the most important factorswere the involvement of the village leaders and the group's sense of collectiveownership. An important aspect of the operation of these organizations was their abilityto draw on the network of relationships in the community. However, knowledge ofregistration procedures and financial accounting was on the whole still limited withthe result that business activities that required close management had not been verysuccessful. The main strengths of the community financial organizations were: 1)they operated as budget management agencies at the community level; 2) they had arole in managing social welfare for the community; and 3) they provided opportunitiesto the local community for informal learning. It is recommended that the state shouldtransfer responsibility for social welfare to the community financial organizations. Itshould also support the management of the various capital funds that exist in the

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community and help link them up. The structure of relevant government agencies shouldbe changed to allow them to provide free advice on various areas of operation andrectify the deficiencies in registration, accounting, and budgeting processes by using onepromising group as the network leader. Other groups could learn from the successfulbusiness operations of the network leader. The recommendations could be implementedas a provincial pilot project starting with research to find out the strengths of differentcommunities which should then be linked up to form a learning network for futurebusiness operations.Key words: Community financial organizations, Village Funds, community social

welfare.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.


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Self-managed Community Development Fund Organizations:Past Experiences and Future DevelopmentPeem PAKAMATAWEE1, Umporn KAEWNHOO,2 and Yindee TAOKAEW3

The Center of Academic Services1, Walailak University, Tasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Lae Tai Group, Muang, Songkhla 90000, and Rajabhat InstituteNakhon Si Thammarat, Muang, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000, Thailand

(E-mail : [email protected])This study aimed to collect information on the provision of government funds

for community development. It covered an overview of community development funds management in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and twenty case studies of local community development fund organizations in southern Thailand. The findings from the study will serve to ensure more efficient management of the “One Million Baht Community Development Fund” by the communities and provide a framework for further study of community development funds management.

The significant findings of the study were:1) From 1977 to 2001, the central government provided 2,386 million

Baht for 56 community development funds in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Most of these funds aimed to promote income generation and community welfare for different target groups in various communities. Most funds were allocated through the channel of existing authorities: from the ministry in Bangkok to its provincial offices, and district offices. New kinds of government projects and organizations were set up during the past several years for better fund management. These projects included the Social Investment Fund (SIF) and Farmer Development and Revival Fund. The funds were managed without a common review by different government agencies resulting in the overlapping of funding for various target groups.

2) Five kinds of local community development funds operated in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province: Savings Group for Farm Production, Community Bank, Credit Union Cooperative, Sincere Savings Group for Total Development, and Urban Savings Group. The various groups were linked into 8 networks with 931 member organizations. Some member organizations overlapped. Most networks were set up with outside support and had few common activities. Some continuing activities were funded by grants from outside organizations. The member organizations had little awareness of working together as a network. Experience from SIF revealed that regional and provincial community network management was rather difficult since most groups at community level lacked expertise in accounting and good leadership.

3) The 20 case studies suggested that the communities had much potential for combining conventional financial practices with local wisdom as a tool for community welfare and development. Members of the local community

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development funds made monthly deposits whilst some other members borrowed from the funds and paid interest on the loans which constituted the main source of profit for funds. The profit was allocated for social welfare and community development. In Muslim communities where payment of interest on loans was prohibited, consumer goods were distributed in place of monetary payment on the same basis as in Buddhist communities. The rules and regulations for the operation of each community fund were consistent with its specific social and cultural context. All members participated in the process of reviewing and approving rules and regulations to ensure that they were capable of running the organization themselves in the long run instead of adopting ready-made inappropriate rules and regulations from outside the community.

4) The introduction of the “One Million Baht Community Development Fund” which was part of the central government’s policy of decentralization was based on past experiences of the operation of self-managed local community funds. and The government aimed to set up community development funds in all 80,000 urban and rural communities throughout the country. The central government would determine only the general framework for the management of the funds leaving each local community to decide for itself how to manage the operation of its fund in a way that is congruent with its own social and economic context.The comparative study of government-managed funds and local community-

managed funds pointed to the need for further study of how best to strengthen the local community development fund organizations including the management of the new “One Million Baht Community Development Fund” project. Future studies should focus on the best practice for community development fund management, and community participation in the management process.Key words: One Million Baht Community Development Fund, community

self-management, community bank, welfare, profit, interest.Grant: TRFPublished: Research Report.

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