SUSTAINABLE MODEL FOR RESOLVING LAND CONFLICTS IN BANTHAT MOUNTAIN RANGE AREA, TRANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) Examine and analyze land conflicts. and 2) Propose a sustainable model for resolving land conflicts in the area. This research applied qualitative methodologies including related-documentary research, in-depth interview with 216 participants (17 scholars and local philosophers, 40 government officials and forestry officers, 71 local leaders and chiefs along with 88 local residents and community organization representatives), unofficially interview with some individuals related with land conflict problems, 23 meetings with participation and including participatory observation. To classify and systematize the data, followed by content analysis to derive the overall findings. The results of the study revealed that 1) Land conflicts in the Banthat Mountain Range area of Trang Province are conflicts between the government sector and local people as well as community organizations. These conflicts arise from disputes over the citizenship rights claimed by local people and community organizations in contrast with the legal authority exercised by the state. Sustainable land conflict resolution and land management must create a balance of mutual benefits for both parties, along with developing remedial approaches that can be applied at both local and policy levels. and 2) A suitable and sustainable model for resolving land conflicts in the Banthat Mountain Range area of Trang Province requires the participatory demarcation of boundaries between community agricultural and residential areas and conservation forest areas based on empirical data, the participatory designation of special buffer zones, and the official recognition of land-use rights for local residents with active community participation will lead to sustainable management and long-term conflict resolution.