Conflict Issues over the Land Use among the Sea Nomads Ethnic Groups in Thailand: The Root of the Battle in maintaining Customary Land Tenure

Abstract

Land use conflict represents one of the critical problems among Sea Nomads Ethnic Groups in Thailand. This article aims to explain and compare events as well as recommend guidelines to resolve land use conflict among 46 communities of Sea Nomads Ethnic Groups in Thailand. The method used in this research is qualitative research, which includes both primary data and secondary data. Two of the techniques used were interview and documentary research. Data collected were analysed through two methods: content analysis and comparative research. Findings revealed that the root cause of land use conflicts among Sea Nomads Ethnic Groups in Thailand are categorised into four issues 1) issuance of land ownership document, 2) declaration of a national park and protected areas, 3) tourism promotion policy, and 4) the 2004 Tsunami. When reviewing the land use according to the Comprehensive Plan, a majority of land use conflicts were found in forest conservation areas, accounting for 62.50 percent, followed by natural and environmental conservation for tourism areas at 56.79 percent, and low-density residential areas at 8.93 percent. The conflict parties involving Sea Nomads Ethnic Groups include government authorities, accounting for 56.79 percent, followed by private developers at 41.98 percent, and the temple at 1.23 percent respectively. Problems and conflict expressions over land use were classified into three areas which are agricultural land, residential and ancestral graves area, and spiritual sites. By assessing a level of community engagement, evidence showed that the level of engagement in thirty-two Sea Nomads communities was limited to placation, while only fourteen communities were partnership. Furthermore, the researcher proposed guidelines for gaining customary land tenure based on lessons learned from the experiences of Sea Nomads Ethnic Groups in Thailand. This approach can be summarised into three tools: 1) social capital,
2) political capital, and 3) recognition of roles and identities. By establishing roles and identities within Sea Nomads Ethnic Groups, communities can build networks, legitimacy, and increase negotiating power when demanding customary land tenure.