Authors : Winyoo Sata , Vinai Veravatnanond , Pairoj Bowjai , Prasopsuk Rithdet and Koson Srisang
Abstract: Lampao Dam is the biggest irrigation in Thailand, meant exclusively for agricultural purposes, construction of the earthen dike and non-electricity, was begun in 1963 and complete in 1968. Impacts of the Dam construction caused significant changes of the Lampao community ways of life in Kalasin province in the environmental, economic, social and cultural aspects. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to study the environmental, economic, social and cultural factors affecting community changes and characteristics of community ways of life before and after the construction of Lampao Dam. The study focused on three village communities in 3 different districts of Kalasin province: Sa-adnathom, Donyanang and Sithan in Muang, Yangtalad and Kamalasai districts respectively. A qualitative research, it started with a review of literature and related researches. Field data were collected by way of in-depth interviews, participative and non-participative observations and focus group discussion, involving 46 key informants consisting of village elders, formal village leaders, informal leaders, farmers, government officials and NGO workers. The data were descriptively analyzed and deductively interpreted. The research findings were found; before the dam construction, people in the 3 communities believed in the interconnectedness of traditions revolving around the worship of ancestral spirits and popular Buddhism which undergirded their unity and their sense of respect and protection of the environment. Their ways of life were simple. Their leaders served as links with the past and guides for future generations. After the dam construction, people in these three communities began to change all this; the changes were forced upon them by state authorities, most clearly manifested in the construction of Lampao Dam. Their traditional beliefs began to weaken. Capitalist ways of life began to creep in and eventually overtook them. However, after a few decades people began to realize the danger. They fought and sought new ways to get out of their debts and hardships. Finally, they have found going back to live in harmony with nature relying on natural resources for their livelihood pointed the way. Happily, this path coincides with the Royal philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. This is where they are now. But their future is far from being certain. In conclusion, the Lampao Dam will be there for good. Many villagers regard it as "the BIG Farmland" from which they can benefit. On the other hand, the Lampao Dam had drastically changed the natural environment as well as ways of economic, social and cultural life. In the case of the three villages under study, the changes have been at least problematic. Since the beginning they had not been consulted at all. The lesson, therefore, is this: before undertaking a project which will affect people�s ways of life, the government authorities should seek people�s participation and take their well-being into serious consideration.
Winyoo Sata , Vinai Veravatnanond , Pairoj Bowjai , Prasopsuk Rithdet and Koson Srisang , 2008. Community Ways of Life Before and after the Construction of Lampao Dam in Northeast Thailand. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 5: 899-904.