Cultural Capital and Water Management in the Wang Wa Subdistrict Community Area, Klaeng District, Rayong Province

Abstract

This research article aims to study the use of cultural capital for water management in the Wang Wa Subdistrict community area, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, and to propose guidelines for the use of cultural capital in water management for the same area. This is a qualitative research study. The researcher used an in-depth interview method with 13 key informants, including: 1) the President of the Wang Wa Subdistrict Cultural Council, 2) the President of the Wang Wa Subdistrict Water Users’ Management Group, 3) the headman of Wang Wa Subdistrict, 4) the mayor of the Wang Wa Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 5) the President of the Wang Wa Subdistrict Community Enterprise Group, 6) the President of the Wang Wa Subdistrict Volunteer Women's Development Group, and 7) the abbots of temples within Wang Wa Subdistrict. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis. The research findings revealed that the use of cultural capital for water management in Wang Wa Subdistrict was achieved through the establishment of the Wang Wa Subdistrict Irrigation Water Users' Management Group. This group is an assembly of community members with expertise and experience in water management in the Wang Wa Subdistrict community who came together as volunteers. The water management process is based on cultural capital related to the local way of life and wisdom in fruit gardening, particularly durian farming. This serves as the initial foundation for gathering volunteers for water management. There is regular exchange and discussion regarding durian orchard management to produce high-quality durians for export, especially concerning water management with a sufficient supply of initial capital water for the durian orchards. Additionally, the belief in worshiping the orchard annually is thought to bring abundant produce from the local spirits to one's own orchard and group.