Inter-Local Relations between Thailand and Lao PDR: Collaborative Efforts of Thoeng and Paktha in Combating Environmental Threats in the Borderland
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This article proposes the concept of inter-local relations through an examination of environmental collaboration between Thoeng District, Chiang Rai, Thailand, and Paktha District, Bokeo, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). Situated on the land border, these districts face shared environmental challenges, including PM 2.5 pollution, smog, and forest fires, which threaten both human security and ecological stability. Drawing on a qualitative methodology comprising group discussions with 56 informants conducted in 2023 and 2024, including Thai and Lao district chiefs and officers at the administrative offices of Thoeng and Paktha, this study explores the mechanisms and dynamics underpinning cross-border collaboration at the local level. It argues that the existing international regime such as ASEAN addressing transboundary haze remains insufficient, and that inter-local relations should operate in tandem with international efforts to more effectively promote clean air across both states. The findings reveal that district-level actors and village headmen implemented joint monitoring systems, shared resources, and coordinated community-led responses to mitigate environmental threats. These efforts highlight the capacity of local actors to address transboundary issues without awaiting central government directives, showcasing a more agile and context-sensitive approach to governance. The article introduces the concept of inter-local relations to frame these interactions, emphasising their coexistence with traditional international relations while operating within the practical realities of borderland communities. By analysing the successes and challenges of the Thoeng-Paktha collaboration, this study advances the understanding of non-traditional security threats, borderland governance, and the role of local actors in international cooperation. The findings underscore the potential of inter-local relations as a model for addressing global challenges in other border regions, contributing to the discourse on cross-border environmental governance and offering actionable insights for policy and practice.
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- เนื้อหาและข้อมูลที่ลงตีพิมพ์ในวารสารรัฐศาสตร์และรัฐประศาสนศาสตร์ถือเป็นข้อคิดเห็นและความรับผิดชอบของผู้เขียนบทความโดยตรง ซึ่งกองบรรณาธิการวารสารรัฐศาสตร์และรัฐประศาสนศาสตร์ ไม่จำเป็นต้องเห็นด้วย หรือร่วมรับผิดชอบใดๆ
- บทความและข้อมูล ที่ได้รับการตีพิมพ์ในวารสารรัฐศาสตร์และรัฐประศาสนศาสตร์ ถือเป็นลิขสิทธิ์ของวารสาร หากบุคคลหรือหน่วยงานใดต้องการนำข้อมูลไปใช้ประโยชน์ในทางวิชาการ ขอให้อ้างอิงแหล่งที่มาด้วย
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