The Management of Forestry through Community Participation: A Case Study of Romphothong Community Forest, Thatakiab District, Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

This research aims to study: firstly, the process of forest management through community participation in Romphothong community forest, Thatakiab district,
Chachoengsao province; secondly, the Thai legal measures to forest management, and thirdly, the development of the law in proper forest management throughcommunityparticipation in Thailand. The results showed that Romphothong’s members participated in four steps of forest management: first, participation in the establishment of Romphothong community forest group; second, participation in the selection committee; third, participation in establishing and maintaining the rule; and fourth, participation in activities on Romphothong community forest. This community's participation created a feeling of ownership and making them more aware of the importance of the forest. Moreover, experience from other countries showed that legal measures supporting the rights of communities to manage natural resources are important to the management of natural resources. The review found that the legal provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand BE 2550 Section 66 and Section 67 guarantees the community's right to participate in natural resource management. However, law enforcement is being enforcedby a centralized state. This research proposes the development of law in the management of natural resources through community participation.