Huai Khakhang: Changes and Crises of the Waterway

Abstract

This research consists purposes were 1. to study the background and significance of Huai Khakhang and 2. to study changes in the environment, waterway and surrounding areas of Huai Khakhang. This qualitative research collected data from documentary sources and interviews with 6 purposively selected informants. This study employed a qualitative research approach. The research instrument was an interview guide, and the target group consisted of six participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collected from documents and interviews were then analyzed using content analysis. The results revealed that 1) Huai Khakhaeng is a natural stream approximately 46 kilometers long. Its source is in Khok Ko Sub-district and it flows through Mueang Maha Sarakham Municipality for about 11 kilometers. The stream passes through the southern part of Mueang Maha Sarakham District, enters Kaeng Loeng Chan, then continues through the campus of Maha Sarakham Rajabhat University and the urban area of Mahasarakham University, before exiting to the north of the municipality. It then curves eastward and flows into the Chi River at Tha Tum Sub-district, Mueang District Maha Sarakham Province. Huai Khakhaeng is vital to residents living along its banks for agriculture, household consumption and as an important landscape feature of the community and 2) As the city of Maha Sarakham continues to grow, Huai Khakhaeng has increasingly become a receptacle for wastewater, affecting nearby residents along the stream. These ongoing changes bring continuous impacts on the natural environment, the local community, and the society residing along Huai Khakhaeng.