The Role of Hua Hin Municipality in Addressing Issues Arising from the Construction of High-Speed Rail and Dual-rack Railway Projects

Abstract

This research is a qualitative study aimed at examining and analyzing the role of Hua Hin Municipality in addressing problems arising from the construction of the high-speed rail and double-track railway projects. The researcher collected data through in-depth interviews with executives, operational staff, and local residents within the Hua Hin Municipality area. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis to synthesize key issues and relevant patterns. The research findings indicate that the impacts of these construction projects can be categorized into three phases: in the pre-construction phase, the municipality supported and coordinated the project, even though it was not its primary legal responsibility; during the construction phase, the municipality addressed impacts such as traffic congestion and pollution, in accordance with its legal duties; and in the post-construction phase, the municipality continues to mitigate the impacts and act as a mediator for complaints, reflecting the increasing burdens and limitations of decentralization. Hua Hin Municipality has had to take an active role in addressing the consequences of these construction projects, despite not being directly involved in the projects themselves. This has resulted in an increased burden beyond the municipality’s normal operational responsibilities.