Historical Development of the Bo Phan Khan Community, (1947 - 2024)

Abstract

            This research aims to analyze the historical development of the Bo Phan Khan community from 1947 to 2024. It includes studying the state of the Bo Phan Khan community before the construction of the reservoir, examining the impacts of the Bo Phan Khan reservoir's construction, and exploring the methods for revitalizing the Bo Phan Khan community. The research employs qualitative methods, comprising document analysis following historical methodologies, in-depth interviews, and field observations. Data collection tools include data recording forms and interview guides. Data analysis involves content analysis, descriptive analysis, and comparative analysis. The research findings reveal three significant periods of change for the Bo Phan Khan community The Era of Salt Boiling at Bo Phan Khan (1947 - 1981) During this period, salt was in high demand by various communities as it was a crucial resource for a subsistence-based society. The Era of the Community's Decline (1981 - 1996) This period marked the community's confrontation with changes due to state policies transforming salt production areas into a reservoir for agricultural purposes. The development led to increased living costs, prompting a wave of migration from the village to larger cities. The Era of Revitalization (1996 - 2024) During this time, efforts were made to restore the community by reviving faith in the local guardian spirit, Chao Pu Phan, who is revered in the area. The research concludes that the lives of Bo Phan Khan  residents exhibit flexible resilience for survival, adapting to three main forces natural forces, state power, and capitalist influences. In the pre-1981 salt production era, people relied on each other to cope with nature. Following the reservoir's construction, state power and capitalism forced many households to relocate for work. During the 1997 economic crisis, people turned to local power, reviving the community through beliefs and mutual support. Thus, the adaptability of Bo Phan Khan residents emphasizes flexibility and community empowerment.