The Guidelines for Sustainable Water Management Underpinning Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of Patan Sub-district, Khun Tan District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the context and issues in water management underpinning sufficiency economy philosophy among communities in Pa Tan Sub-district, Khun Tan District, Chiang Rai Province. The research was conducted based on the conceptual framework of His Majesty's sufficiency economy philosophy by means of understanding, accessing, and developing through the area-based research management. The results showed that:

1. The context and issues in water management of communities in Pa Tan Sub-district, Khun Tan District, Chiang Rai Province involved the water management issues from the upstream issues which were, for example, water shortage in dry season, flooding in rainy season, chemical contamination from agriculture penetrated public water source. The midstream issues were water management for consumption in the community, tab water management in the village. The downstream issues were wastewater disposal to river and canal. These issues were considered structural in nature and could not be solved solely by government sector. This requires involvement from all parties in the society especially the villagers, who are the key stakeholders, must actively participate in water management, show awareness and understanding of the value of water resources, use water cautiously for quantity and quality balance. Also, collaboration from other sectors and organizations is also necessary including government agencies, local authorities, and educational institutions to collectively address the water management issues. This collective effort can promote effective and sustainable water management.


2. The guidelines for water management underpinning sufficiency economy philosophy of communities in Pa Tan Sub-district, Khun Tan District, Chiang Rai Province were building understanding, raising awareness in water conservation and management in the communities, creating participation process of villagers by determining this water management as the public issue through public forum process for stakeholders and local administrative organizations to reflect about problems and seek resolution together.

          The public forum evolves consensus agreement to construct "The Collaborative Agreement for Effective Community Water Resource Management in Pa Tan Subdistrict, Khun Tan District, Chiang Rai Province, 2566 BE (2023 AD)." This agreement serves as guidelines and regulations for efficient and collaborative community water management. Although this may not have the legal effect, it is a public commitment the community members have made through a participatory process. This process involves collaborative efforts in understanding the root causes of the issues, developing solutions, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating. This agreement in Pa Tan Sub-district is a comprehensive process that fosters learning and encourages community participation in problem-solving. It facilitates linkage between families and communities, promoting knowledge sharing, mutual responsibility, and social harmony. Moreover, it enhances self-management capabilities within the community, strengthening their resilience and promoting self-sufficiency in line with sufficiency economy philosophy for sustainable water resource management.