CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN COMMUNITIES OF NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE: A CASE STUDY OF THA PRACHA SUBDISTRICT CHA-UAT DISTRICT NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

Abstract

         This research on community conflict management in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is a qualitative study focusing on Tha Pracha Subdistrict, Cha-uat District. The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the causes of conflicts within the community of Tha Pracha Subdistrict, Cha-uat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, 2) to examine methods of community conflict management, and 3) to propose appropriate conflict management approaches suited to the local context of Tha Pracha Subdistrict.The study employed a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 21 key informants, including government officials, local politicians, community leaders, and political science scholars. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis and were interpreted in relation to theoretical frameworks of community-level conflict management.

          The findings revealed that 1) the causes of community conflict stemmed from unequal resource distribution, disparities in access to land and basic public services, gaps in information and communication between the government and local residents, and development policies that were inconsistent with the community’s traditional culture and way of life, 2) in terms of conflict management methods, the community applied formal laws and administrative regulations in conjunction with local wisdom, established subdistrict-level mediation committees, organized public forums, implemented proactive communication strategies, and utilized Buddhist principles and local cultural practices as key mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution, and 3) appropriate conflict management approaches should emphasize the systematic strengthening of community-based mediation mechanisms, promote public participation from the planning stage of development processes, ensure transparent communication, and provide fair compensation and remediation. These approaches should integrate Buddhist principles, local culture, and participatory processes in order to foster social harmony, strengthen community capacity, and achieve sustainable development in the long term, in accordance with the principles of good governance and peaceful coexistence within local communities.