Action Research for Developing Master Plan for Sustainable Development in Mon Jam Area, Mae Ram Sub-District, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai

Abstract

This action research aimed to analyze potential, limitations, and needs for development, and to develop a framework and direction of master plan for sustainable development in the Mon Jam area. The Mon Jam area included Pang Hai-Mae Khi village, Nong Hoi Kao village, and Nong Hoi Mai. The target groups included community leaders, community members, community organizations, local agencies, government agencies, educational institutions, private organizations, independent organizations, and state enterprises. There were three steps of research: 1) preparing the community, 2) investigating potential, limitations and needs for development through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, 3) organizing the community meetings, expert meetings, and agency meetings to determine the framework and direction of master plan. The results indicated that Mon Jam had potential in natural resources, culture, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and the new-generation society. However, there were limitations related to land right, water shortages, the inadequate expansion of infrastructure, and social problems. They also needed development in land stability, infrastructure, cultural transmission, and people and society. In addition, the framework and direction of the master plan were consistent with the concepts of a sufficiency economy and sustainable development. Its vision focused on economic security and an improved quality of life for the Mon Jam community. The strategic directions consisted of establishing space for negotiations to reduce land conflict, learning and adaptation, developing a new economy, designing a new city, and developing people, society, research, and infrastructure. The recommendations included developing a participatory action plan to achieve concrete development results and conducting participatory action research to strengthen the community’s management potential.