CONFLICT MANAGEMENT APPROACHES FOR THE MODEL CITY OF FUTURE ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL PROJECT IN CHANA DISTRICT, SONGKHLA PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To analyze the causes of conflict arising from the Futuristic Advanced Industrial Model City Project in Chana District, Songkhla Province, and 2. To propose both short-term and long-term conflict management approaches appropriated to the local community context. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing data collection from academic documents, in-depth interviews with 41 key informants, social media content analysis, and non-participatory observation in three Sub-Districts Na Thap, Taling Chan, and Sakom which were the primary areas affected by the project.

The findings revealed five main causes of conflict: 1. data conflict; due to incomplete and non-transparent information, 2. interest conflict; stemming from community concerns over impacts on local resources and livelihoods, 3. relationship conflict; reflecting distrust toward the government based on past experiences, 4. structural conflict; resulting from centralized administration that excluded community participation, and 5. value conflict; caused by differing development perspectives between the state and local people. The proposed conflict management approaches included the establishment of a joint working committee among the government, private sector, and community, development of accessible communication channels, the use of peaceful negotiation processes, implementation of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA); and long-term trust-building through decentralization and inclusive public participation throughout all project stages.