Community Context and Participatory Urban Community Development Planning: A Case Study of Tossatit Pattana Community, Moo 2, Bueng Thonglang Subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

Globalization and technological advancements contributing to development have diversely impacted local communities, especially in limited opportunities to participate in, and benefit from, new economic activities.

Thotsathit Phatthana community, located in Village No. 2, Bueng Thong Lang subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province, changed due to development trends. Its residents adopted an urban lifestyle, leading to challenges related to limited participation in community development planning. In addition, community leaders lacked the requisite knowledge to foster engagement in formulating community development plans. Therefore, local research methods were used to address this issue. This study examined the process of crafting a community development plan for the urban area, starting with data collection and analysis. Information was exchanged, drawn from personal experience and considering physical characteristics, community history, demographics, livelihoods, significant locations, cultural aspects, and annual production activities to formulate development guidelines. Solutions were sought for occupational challenges, with community researchers leading development initiatives. The urban community development plan comprised social and environmental dimensions, featuring four projects to boost the capabilities of community leaders through empowerment by action and a learning process facilitated through forums. Data collection and analysis yielded two key outcomes: community researchers were emboldened to voice their opinions and contribute to participatory community development planning; and a community-driven development plan emerged from community collaborative research and data analysis.