Conflict between the local community and public organizations over Tungsa Public Land Use, Phattalung province

Abstract

     The objectives of this qualitative research were: (1) to study the cause of conflict over Tungsa public land use in Khuan Khanun district, Phattalung province; and (2) to study the process of conflict resolution. The study was based on qualitative data from primary documents during 1996-2014 as well as participative observation, non-participative observation, and in-depth interviews with the stakeholders involved in the conflict, public organizations, and the local community associated with the Tungsa Public Land area. The study found: (1) there were five main causes of conflict: structure, data and information, relationships, benefit, and different values; (2) based on studying the process of conflict resolution there was a variety of mixed-conflict management methods being used such as negotiation, conflict mediation, and cooperation for the sake of mutual benefit. Moreover, the procedure eased conflict regarding congregating calls for people in trouble and promoted remedies through the constitution and the judicial process; (3) the appropriate means for conflict resolution included implementing public projects with participation in decision making by people in the communities, using reliable data for decision making on projects, and using mechanisms that involved the participation of impartial people or their representatives.