“Huai Kha Khaeng” Buffer Zone : Government Practices that are Inconsistent with the Model that Oppresses the Community

Abstract

This research aimed to study and analyze the model of coexistence of the state, community and forest in the Huai Kha Khaeng buffer zone. The research was qualitative and collected data through document research, field research, including in-depth 
interviews, focus group discussions, 48 key informants used in the study, triangulation of data collection methods, content analysis, and description. 
The research results found that:
 Huai Kha Khaeng buffer zone has undergone significant changes in three periods: 1. Initial period (1989-2003): The buffer zone was designated as a buffer zone between the forest and the community, playing a role in maintaining the balance between 
natural resource conservation and community livelihoods by acting as an important 
connecting area. 2. Symbolic changes (before 2003): The buffer zone began to be 
redefined symbolically by installing barbed wire fences along the entire length. Although villagers were allowed to use the area, they had to do so secretly by crawling through the barbed wire fences, which was considered an unofficial acceptance by the state. Until 2014, the state announced a policy to reclaim the forest. and proceeded to integrate the buffer zone into wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife sanctuaries. 3. Loss of role (after 2014) The buffer zone lost its original meaning, leaving only wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife sanctuaries that expanded into the reserved forest area that used to be a buffer zone. As a result, the buffer zone can no longer play the role of an area connecting communities and forests. These changes reflect the loss of the role of the Huai Kha Khaeng buffer zone from an area that used to connect communities and conservation to an area controlled by the state and no longer having practical meaning.