Analysis of Conflicts Arising from Large-Scale Industrial Development Projects: A Case Study of the Chana Industrial Estate
Main Article Content
Abstract
The Chana industrial estate project was designed to accommodate large-scale industrial growth, resulting in varied perspectives, concerns, and controversies. This study examines project milestones, stakeholders, and conflict. It analyses data from documents and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders using Actor and Relation mapping and the Onion theory. Based on the research findings, the Cabinet approved the Triangle Model City project in 2016, which sought to establish stability, prosperity, and sustainability. In 2019, the project was expanded to create Chana, a futuristic industrial metropolis. 2020 witnessed numerous protests and demonstrations. There were disturbances at government offices in 2021, followed by the dissolution of the demonstrations, which led to demands for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council commissioned a regional academic institution to finish the SEA in 18 months by 2022. Stakeholders analysis revealed complexity. The government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the general public are the key actors. As determined by an analysis of the conflict issues, the opposing party does not support the establishment of large-scale industrial estates, whereas the supporting party is in favour of the project. The concerns of the opposing party include a desire not to convert agricultural areas into industrial ones, whereas the supporting party is interested in accelerating the area's development. The opposing party recognizes the need to preserve natural resources and the environment, whereas the supporting party recognizes the need to increase economic prosperity. The opposing party is concerned that the alterations will result in a decline in the quality of life for the local population. This is consistent with the concerns of the supporting party, which fears that the quality of life for the locals will decline. These findings can be used as guidelines for resolving conflicts and preventing their escalation in the future.
Article Details
References
Bangkok Business. (2022). The People's Democratic Party shows its stand to support the government to move forward "Chana Estate", hoping that young people will have jobs. (January 13, 2022). Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/982396
BBC News Thai. (2021). Chana: An overview of the events after the dissolution of the Chanaraktin protest network at the Government Office. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-59546227
Chaijaroenwatana, B. (2018). Conflict Management: Basic understanding & case studies. Prince of Songkla University.
Daily News. (2023). Let's get to know Chana industrial estate and what are the expectations of SBPAC. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from http: //www.d.dailynews.co.th/article/834085
Galtung, J. (1969). Violence, peace and peace research. Journal of Peace Research, 6(3), 167-191.
Garagait, S., & Chaijaroenwatana, B. (2022). Conflict management on the state development project: A Case study of the Coastal Protection Dam, Muang Ngam Subdistrict, Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province. PAAT Journal, 4(8), 46-57.
Kesarat, C., & Rinthaisong, I. (2019). Conflict management between the state and the people on marine and coastal areas development projects in Southernmost Provinces of Thailand. Journal of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University, 11(1), 116-149.
Kwanjai, T. (2021). SEA and the resolution of the Chana conflict. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/columnist/980349
Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. Washington, D.C.: United States Institute of Peace Press.
Matichon Online. (2020). Dr. Suphat invites people to use hashtags #SAVECHANA protects Chana from the government's destructive policies. Retrieved July 1, 2022, from https://www.matichon.co.th/social/news_2173839
OPT New Online. (2022). Chana local people voice VS NGOs. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from http://www.opt-news.co.th/article/24316
Peace Resource Collaborative. (2021). Handbook of basic conflict management. Peace Resource Collaborative.
Saenkum, D., & Sangkachan, A. (2018). Karl Marx’s Social Philosophy: An Analysis Problem of Equality. Journal of Social Innovation, 7(1), 74-83.
Singsri, A., & Chompunth,C. (2018) Conflict from a mega industrial development project: A case study Rayong industrial estate park project (bankhai). Ph.D. in Social Sciences Journal, 8(3), 113-127.
Songkhla Focus. (2023). The 2nd SEA" Songkhla – Pattani Brainstorming. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.songkhlafocus.com
Springnews (2021). The dissolution of the protest Look back at the promises made by the state. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.springnews.co.th/spring-life/818832
Thairath. (2021). Chana Rak Thin Network settles down at the UN call for 4 issues. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from https://www.thairath.co.th/news/politics/2262767
Themetter (2020). Explain in detail “Chana industrial estate” what is the origin, what will happen and why do people have to protest?. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://thematter.co/brief/130811/130811
Wartani (June 30, 2022). Wartani Politics Talk EP80 [video]. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.facebook.com/wartanimap/videos/3435238570037946