Power Structure, Policy and Law obstructing Thailand Forest Management: A Case Study of Thung Bang Nok Ohk Forest in the Lower Songkhla Lake basin

Abstract

This article aims to reflect problems with power structure, policy and law that are obstacles to forest management, and to propose solutions suggested based on various viewpoints.  Problems found in a case study of forest management of Thung Bang Nok Ok forest in Khuan So Sub-district, Khuan Niang District, Songkhla Province using Companion Modelling Approach (ComMod). The stakeholders include the community, the state, and outside organizations such as those affiliated to the Royal Forest Department (overseeing forest fires and community management), local administration organizations, schools, and universities. A number of approximately 200 informants and participants were involved in the following three main work processes: 1) investigation of the Melaleuca forest community and the relationship between community and the forest using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as surveys; 2) joint operation in thinking and deciding to find out a management model acceptable to all parties using the role playing game (RPG) tool twice and three workshops; and 3) implementation according to the suggestions leading to concrete practices and upgrading them to local policies through eight operations.  The data obtained from research result and related literature review are analyzed.  These problems have existed in Thai society for more than five decades.  Now, even though public participation and community rights tend to be improved, in terms of law and decentralization of power in natural resource management, the problems remain basically the same.  Nevertheless, solutions to the problems proposed are building cooperation among stakeholders, community empowerment; establishing community management institutions; enacting law governing community rights corresponding with the actual situation; greater decentralization to local administrative organizations; accelerating people participation in administration of local administrative organizations; and improving power structure to eliminate overlapping responsibilities of related organizations.