CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF MAEKHAN RESERVOIR PROJECT, CHIANGMAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate of a model and approaches to solve the conflict over water resource management in Maekhan Reservoir Project at Mae-khanin-tai and Sop-lan villages where would be affected by the project. Two qualitative methods, namely, focus group and in-depth interview were employed. It was found that the people from the 2 villages used 5 approaches to solve the conflict and consequently made the project delayed. They were as follows: 1) handing an opposing letter 2) holding a protest 3) having negotiation talks 4) making discussions on the issue locally and nationally and  5) holding public discussions. In addition, the villagers proposed to hand in a royal petition and were willing to obey any royal initiatives. It was also found that the persons or organizations dealing with the project and solving the problems should have typical characteristics as follows: 1) having fair judgment, 2) owning absolute authority in a making decision and 3) being experts or specialists in project management.