Approaches for Propelling the Development of the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand in the Context of Insurgency Situations

Abstract

          The insurgency situation in the southern border provinces adversely affects the lives and properties of the populace and hampers regional development. This research aims to explore approaches for propelling the development of the southern border provinces of Thailand within the context of conflict. It employed a qualitative research approach, collecting data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants purposively sampled in 6 groups of 10 people each, totaling 60 people. The sample consists of community leaders, local government leaders, folk philosophers, civil society officials, government agency officials, officers of the Internal Security Operations Command, and officials of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre. Thematic analysis of the data revealed 21 primary development approaches covering six aspects: 1) Economic Development, with eight approaches focusing on occupational development for citizens role adjustment of SBPAC as a coordinator, development of centralized halal trade hubs, promotion of agricultural-industrial cities, grassroots economic empowerment, people enhancement for work, employment creation for vulnerable groups, export promotion, and investment facilitation; 2) Social Development, with five approaches including attitude adjustment towards self-reliance, care for children, youth, and vulnerable groups, fostering peaceful communities, establishing social development networks, and ensuring justice;
3) Human Resource Development, encompassing two approaches focusing on enhancing the competency of state personnel to support local initiatives and aligning community competencies with local contexts; 4) Public Sector Management, with two approaches comprising the establishment of digital platforms for public service delivery and promotion of professionalism among personnel;
5) Security Enhancement, with one approache focusing on improving citizen feedback processes; and 6) Understanding Fostering, with three approaches including an enhancement of understanding of the conflict situation among both local and international communities, creating an image of a peaceful space and the development of a robust information dissemination system.