Counteraction in Exclusion of Land Use: A Case Study of Yothaka Area Bang Nam Priao District Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

          The counteraction to the exclusion of land use in the Yothaka Area of Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province. The Yothaka Rak Tin group’s movement was then set up to fight against the abusive use of power in authorizing the utilization of Yothaka lands in the government’s development projects and calls for justice in the Yothaka area in Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao Province. There are two types of social movements. The Collective Behavior Theory and the Resource Mobilization Theory can describe the old kind of movement. The new type of movement is considered a counteraction to achieve justice and reveal the truth to society. Although the real power behind social movement rests in the counteraction and the effort to promote social awareness, social media remains crucial in creating and increasing equal access to information in society. This study found that collective actions among Yothaka locals affected by the land dispute have led to the formation of the ’Yothaka Rak Tin’ group. The group’s counteractions have included: 1. filing letters of complaint, 2. performing symbolic actions, 3. using social media, 4. collaborating with the network of civil society organizations, and 5. creating and enacting discourses. In performing the above counteractions collectively, what Yothaka people have in common is the ‘hope’ to be free from the problem and prevailing in the fight against social injustice