Community Forest Management of Ban Pong, Ta Pha Mok Sub-district, Long District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This study aimed to examine: (1) collaborative processes, participating sectors, levels of participation, and sectoral roles in managing Ban Pong Community Forest; (2) network-building processes, collaboration patterns, and levels of network collaboration; and (3) community forest management approaches based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and the Understanding–Reaching–Developing principles. The 25 key informants comprised representatives of government agencies, community leaders, community stakeholders, and other sectors. Data were collected through document review, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that: (1) government agencies, private and academic sectors, local administrative organizations, temples, schools, community leaders, and residents participated through dialogue, agreement formulation, activity implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Participation ranged from receiving information and consulting stakeholders to involvement, collaboration, and empowerment; (2) the network originated from collaboration among the community, temples, and schools, together with government agencies and educational institutions, and operated through three collaboration patterns; and (3) the community applied the King’s Philosophy, the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, and the Understanding–Reaching–Developing principles by establishing community regulations, formulating management plans, and conducting continuous monitoring and evaluation.