The Land Allocation and The Utilization Identity of The Khamu People in Hin Tum Village, Ban Rai District, Uthai Thani Province

Abstract

The research aimed to: 1) analyze the land allocation policy by the state and its appropriateness in the context of the Khmu ethnic group, Ban Hin Tum, Ban Rai District, Uthai Thani Province, and 2) study the impact of the policy on the ethnic identity and politics of the Khmu ethnic group. This was a qualitative study. The 27 informants included 24 members of the Khmu ethnic group—representing 1.71 percent of the Khmu population in Village 3, Ban Hin Tum, and Village 7, Ban Huai Pa Pok, Ban Rai District, Uthai Thani Province—as well as 3 government officials. The Khmu participants were selected based on their possession of land within the area administered by the relevant state agency. Data collection was conducted using a structured interview form. The data were analyzed descriptively, and the validity of the findings was ensured through triangulation and the application of grounded theory, using interviews with key informants from the Khmu community. The research found that: 1) the state’s land allocation system was not suitable for the Khmu ethnic group. The land provided was insufficient, and there was a lack of support and clear communication from government authorities. While the Khmu people sought land title deeds and agricultural security, the state excluded the community from participating in decision-making processes. 2) The policy led to a loss of agency for the Khmu ethnic group in defining their identity and exercising their political rights. There was inequality in access to land and resources, resulting in poverty and the erosion of ethnic identity. Recommendations: The government should set up a joint committee of government officials and representatives of the Khmu ethnic group to determine guidelines for land allocation. Lack of title deeds is a major problem. Use data from a joint survey between the government and the community to issue title deeds, along with providing appropriate agricultural knowledge.