People’s Participation in Forest Fire and Haze Pollution Problem Solving in Doi Suthep-Pui, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are 1) to study the public's participation in solving forest fire and haze problems, and 2) to study the factors affecting the public's participation in solving forest fire and haze problems. This is a quantitative research study utilizing interview questionnaires as a research tool. The sample group consists of 400 people, determined using Taro Yamane's formula with a 0.05 margin of error, selected through convenience sampling. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The research findings are as follows: the overall level of public participation in solving forest fire and haze problems across four aspects is moderate ( =2.57). When considering each aspect individually, participation in benefiting from the solutions is at a moderate level (=3.40). However, participation in decision-making (=2.29), operational actions (=2.42), and evaluation (=2.20) are at low levels. The factors significantly affecting public participation in solving forest fire and haze problems include five variables. Gender, participation in problem-solving, and the distance from home to the forest area previously affected by fires are significant at the level of (Sig < 0.01). Household income and receiving information about forest fire situations are significant at the level of (Sig < 0.05).