The Thailand mechanism in conflict management during flood response and relief : a case study of conflict related to Klong Mahasawat

Abstract

This study aims to identify mechanisms in conflict management during flood response and relief in 2011 where the study will focus on the conflict that occurred during flood in 2011of the area or related to Klong Mahasawat as the conflict scene. It also explores the potential regulatory for the management of conflict at the sluicegate including the analysis of Administrative Court’s order to be used as conflict management tool. The qualitative approach is used in this study, utilizing documentary analysis and in-depth interviewing of key informants from government institutions, related organizations, and affected people including people who live upstream and downstream of sluicegates. This study use stages of conflict to be a key of analysis of management mechanisms in three principles; authorities’ leadership, people participation, and information sharing. This study reveals that the three principles are interconnected and very important to alleviate conflict during flood response and relief where conflict occurred because of flood management rather than natural phenomenon. The leadership is the main factor that contributed and influenced to another two aspects as the leader is the key to enhance people participation and sharing of information that related to conflict and flood management. The official leaders who are in charge of disaster management must be very active and knowledgeable on their duties, especially during the time of conflict that all efforts of determination solely bear under their responsibilities. The leadership at community level is very capable and effective to conflict resolution and significantly contributed to support another two aspects as information sharing and people participation. The study has shown that the notion of people’s participation as public consultation in such measures of flood management should have done comprehensively especially during preventive phase to safeguard any impediments derived during the flood response and relief. The information sharing is a unique reason to reduce conflict, but it must be in clearly, precisely and timely manner. The Administrative Court’s order is very important to uphold the duty and responsibility of all involved parties. However, the order should be observed seriously by the public for its enforcement.