Political Ideology To Reduce Conflicts Of Interest In The Wetlands Of Thale Noi, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Abstract

This article studies measures to ease conflicts between locals and government officials regarding consumption of natural resources in the Thale Noi wetlands. The problems incurred by the wetlands are a function of their physical properties, location, and the significance of their natural resources. Previously, the extent of these problems was measured by the failure of efforts to solve them. The new methodology proposed for solving problems is based on political philosophy. This study proposes the elimination of confrontations and legal punishment in favor of participatory, democratic, trustful, and reciprocal agreement among the conflicting parties. The conflict area is zoned based on the severity of each problem, the nature of the associated conflicts, and the potential of law enforcement to solve them. A participatory committee is formed to alleviate conflict and confrontation between locals and government officials. These measures can be applied to other conflict areas in Thailand.