Negotiating Identities: A Transformation of Thai-Muslim in the Baan Somdej Mosque Community (Bangkok)

Title: Negotiating Identities: A Transformation of Thai-Muslim in the Baan Somdej Mosque Community (Bangkok)

Author: Miss Vinissa Kattiya-aree

Year: 2024

Keywords: Arabization, Urbanization, Islam in Thailand, Muslim Community

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Thailand is home to more than 6 million Muslims, making Thai-Muslim the largest religious minority group. Thai – Muslim communities have long been a part of Thai society, participating in all levels of society, from economics to politics. Despite much research written on the Thai Muslim population and communities, the Bangkok Muslim communities remain understudied. This research hopes to expand the existing research on Muslims in Thailand and offer an interdisciplinary explanation focusing on international development and anthropological aspects of the transformation of a Thai Muslim community. This thesis presents a case study of the Muslims of the Baan Somdej Mosque community, located in the Thonburi District of Bangkok. It aims to document the changes happening in the community, from clothing to traditions, in the hope of capturing the current stories of the community.Furthermore, this thesis also examined factors contributing to those socio-cultural changes happening within the community. The methodology for this research consists of key informant interviews, field observation, and documentary analysis. It concludes that the transformation of the Thai Muslims in the Baan Somdej Mosque Community is a result of the interplay between urbanization and Arabization, where urbanization drove the community to redefine themselves and Arabization, as a form of globalization, is out to set the standard for what it means to be “Muslim.” This interaction created new Muslim identities for the Muslims in Bangkok, Thailand

Legally literate but disempowered : Urban refugees and national screening mechanism in Thailand

Title: Legally literate but disempowered : Urban refugees and national screening mechanism in Thailand

Author: Mr.Andrew Wai Phyo Kyaw

Year: 2024

Keywords: Legal literacy, Legal empowerment, Urban refugees, National Screening Mechanism (NSM), Thailand

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This dissertation examines the relationship between legal literacy, empowerment, and protection outcomes among urban refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, focusing on the 2019 National Screening Mechanism (NSM). Thailand, a non-signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and hosting about 5,500 refugees mainly in Bangkok, lacks formal refugee laws. Its recent NSM reflects limited progress in regional protection mechanisms, functioning within a framework that emphasizes state security over human security. The study posits that urban refugees understand the law, like the NSM, but remain powerless because Thailand's approach prioritizes security over protection.This study addresses three interconnected research questions that investigate the relationship between legal frameworks, knowledge acquisition, and the empowerment approach in Thailand. The first question examines how the National Screening Mechanism's legal and political dynamics address urban refugees and asylum seekers, with a focus on how concerns about state sovereignty affect protection efforts. The second question examines to what extent urban refugees and asylum seekers are aware of the NSM and how they acquire the necessary knowledge to access legal protection. The third question examines how strengthening the NSM's legal knowledge impacts protection outcomes for urban refugee communities, particularly the disparity between their theoretical rights and their actual implementation. The study employs an exploratory qualitative approach that combines different data collection methods to capture the complexity of refugee experiences in Thailand. The study gathered primary data through questionnaires given to 30 urban refugees and asylum seekers from various countries, in-depth interviews with 20 participants chosen for their diverse demographic backgrounds and experiences, and key informant interviews with eight experts from refugee relief agencies and academic institutions. The study also analyzed various documents, including NSM regulations, academic papers, policy documents, and media reports, to add depth to the analysis. More importantly, the study received ethical approval and followed international standards for research involving vulnerable populations. The study reveals that Thailand's NSM represents incremental progress in refugee protection; however, it also reinforces exclusionary policies that severely limit genuine empowerment. A review of documents shows that the NSM's regulatory framework puts immigration control above refugee protection, such as portraying displaced persons as "aliens" requiring management rather than as individuals needing humanitarian help. The mechanism's complicated bureaucratic procedures, including mandatory detention during screening and high bail requirements, intentionally create obstacles that deter applications while giving the appearance of meeting protection requirements. The study highlights a gap between legal knowledge and protection. Despite understanding laws like the NSM, refugees in Thailand still face arrest, detention, and deportation under the Immigration Act 1979. It contributes to refugee and development studies by challenging assumptions about knowledge and power, introducing the field of legal empowerment. The concept of "legally literate but disempowered" offers a crucial perspective for understanding how knowledge raises awareness of vulnerabilities without providing actual tools for protection. Building on Cecilia Menjivar's "liminal legality," the study shows how refugees are stuck in legal limbo, where their physical presence conflicts with their legal status, making their rights meaningless within a security-focused refugee system. This dissertation concludes that Thailand's refugee management reflects a regional trend: the creation of complex exclusion mechanisms disguised as protection. Although the NSM demonstrates institutional progress, it primarily enhances state control over displaced populations, rather than fostering genuine integration or empowerment. Urban refugees in Thailand demonstrate that legal knowledge alone cannot overcome structural barriers in restrictive environments. Ultimately, Thailand's new policy, like the NSM in Thailand, does not provide genuine protection that refugees need and instead focuses on managing asylum seekers due to national security concerns

Human Security of the Karen Community in Chiang Mai’s Forest Fires, Thailand

Title: Human Security of the Karen Community in Chiang Mai’s Forest Fires, Thailand

Author: Miss Yukari Otsuka

Year: 2022

Keywords: N.A

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: When studying the human security of marginalized people such as indigenous people, they are generally interpreted as a focus that needs to be particularly protected. However, it differs in the context of natural disasters in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Karen people, one of the largest ethnic populations in Chiang Mai, are subsistent farmers who use fires as a life tool and are often blamed as the cause of forest fires. As one kind of natural disaster, forest fires are a common occurrence in Northern Thailand every dry season. Chiang Mai is one of the significant provinces in Thailand with the eighth population and experiences devasting forest fires. To solve the issues of forest fires and associated air pollution, the government implemented a non-burning policy that impacts the farming procedures of the Karen community and their entire human security situation.This research applies a qualitative method and utilizes a case study of the devastating forest fires in Chiang Mai in 2020. Through semi-structured interviews with Karen villagers (n=15) in Chiang Mai with the aid of a research assistant, this research aims to assess the human security situation of the Karen community facing forest fires. This research explores forest fires’ impacts on the Karen community through a Human Security lens. This research also examines conditions and factors that affect human security situations and vulnerability and capability that impact the Karen community.This research finds that the policy executed without arranging and preparing a counterplan with Karen farmers who are “citizens” directly affected the entire Karen community in Chiang Mai. This research concludes that this political insecurity hugely affected the entire human security of the Karen community facing forest fires, especially food and health security. This research, therefore, argues that the capability of the Karen community to enhance their human security situation is limited by political insecurities and ethical discrimination.

Climate Imaginaries and Human Mobility: complicating climate mobility as adaptation in Thailand

Title: Climate Imaginaries and Human Mobility: complicating climate mobility as adaptation in Thailand

Author: Miss Clare Steiner

Year: 2022

Keywords: Climate Migration, Human Mobility, Climate Change, Thailand

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: For centuries, agricultural households in Thailand have engaged in mobility to adapt to environmental change and climate shocks. However, current framings of “climate migration as adaptation” obscure how these adaptation pathways are constructed by existing power relations, leaving institutions liable to re-enforce inequality. This thesis uses the concept of “imaginaries” to de-construct how certain knowledge and values advance over others in the process of negotiating and acting towards a preferable future. It employs a dual methodological approach with a case study of Baan Non Daeng in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand to analyze dominant imaginaries in Thailand and their function and limitations in assessing smallholder farmer mobility decision-making in the context of slow on-set environmental change. The thesis first performs a discourse analysis of institutional policy texts on climate change, migration, and development in Thailand to find that institutions value futures that encourage smallholder farmers to leverage their existing resources and act as entrepreneurial agents of development. It also finds that climate mobility imaginaries are founded on the idea of the well-resourced migrant who has access to longer distance mobilities that can transform rural livelihoods. The thesis then uses interviews conducted in Baan Non Daeng to complicate these imaginaries and engage with structural political economy factors driving relative (im)mobilities. It finds that relative positioning influences household perceptions of environmental risks and resources that contribute towards differing practices and scales of mobility. The thesis ends by arguing for processes like knowledge co-production and translocal visioning that better address root issues of marginalization in policy and practice

A study of sustainability in the energy sector in Myanmar between 2011 and 2020

Title: A study of sustainability in the energy sector in Myanmar between 2011 and 2020

Author: Miss Clara Mang Sui Tang

Year: 2021

Keywords: Energy security, Energy policy, Environmental policy, Energy Tariffs, Myanmar

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Balazs Szanto

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In modern society, energy becomes a life supporting mechanism, as it is not only entangled with the environment pillar of sustainable development, but also inseparably related to the economic and social pillars of society. Taking advantage of a qualitative research method, this study critically examines the level of sustainability of Myanmar’s energy sector between 2011 and 2020, using 2011 as a baseline, by observing three critical components: energy security, environmental considerations in energy production and securing financial health for the sector.Energy security, possessing uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price, is studied from available macro secondary data in conjunction with an analysis of existing energy policies. The study concludes that, although the two successive Myanmar’s Union governments were able to generate and import energy to meet its soaring demand and maintain its energy security, it still fell short to improve energy security during the studied period.This thesis finds that environmental policy integration in the energy sector at the Union level is the most vibrant among the three components. Although there is still a long journey to undertake to meet international standards, the country was able to graduate from “traditional” environmental management and transitioned into a sound streamlined environmental safeguarding mechanism in the sector.Furthermore, the examination of Myanmar’s energy sector financial health in this study reflects the vital role energy tariffs play in the sustainability of a market economy. Although the two successive governments were able to raise electricity tariffs twice during the studied period, which new tariffs resulted in some improvement in the energy sector’s financial health, the sector still needs massive subsidies from the Union’s budget. This insecure financial health has impacted the sector’s productivity and functionality, but it also has a negative effect on the country’s wider socio-economic development, specifically affecting those who do not have access to modern electricity.Although this study does not find current satisfactory trends in any of the three studied components, it notes the improvements that the country was able to make especially considering the starting point of the journey - newly transitioning into a semi-democratic society from a military dictatorship. The study also provides pragmatic recommendations for the sector’s sustainability based on its research. By observing the energy sector from a bird’s eye view, this paper intends to initiate a deeper understanding of sustainability in Myanmar’s energy sector and potentially offer new premises and contentions for further debate on the subject

Youths' participation in agriculture for enhancing sustainable livelihoods: A case study of the Pa-O self-administered zone in southern Shan state, Myanmar

Title: Youths' participation in agriculture for enhancing sustainable livelihoods: A case study of the Pa-O self-administered zone in southern Shan state, Myanmar

Author: Miss Khine Zin Yu Aung

Year: 2020

Keywords: Agriculture, Youths, Sustainable Livelihoods, Rural Development

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Carl Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Myanmar in which 70 percent of the population is rural people relies on agricultural sector for its economy. It contributes about 37.8 percent of the country’s GDP and employs about 50 percent of the labors (FAO, 2020). However, Myanmar’s agricultural sector is not well developed and does not stand as reliable livelihood for the people, especially for the youths, in rural areas. Hence, the people in rural areas have to seek more livelihood opportunities like leaving their farmlands and moving to other places for work. This situation has impact both on youths and on the agricultural sector which needs youths’ capacities for its development. Therefore, this study focuses on the challenges for the youths in rural areas in approaching their livelihoods, their contribution to agricultural development and how to support them in enhancing sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. This study is conducted through qualitative methods with the use of case study of Pa-O SAZ located in Southern Shan state of Myanmar. The findings result that youths have more challenges for access to natural capital and less challenges for access to physical, social and human capitals. Another significant finding is that both youths and the elders have challenges for access to knowledge or information on their livelihoods. The strengths of the youths for agricultural livelihoods are having more capabilities to adapt with new techniques, innovative ways as well as to connect with varieties of people. For their livelihoods, the youths make decision depending on the factors of having experiences and exposures, support from government and organizations, education, parents and families’ background and access to finance. This study also argues that sustainable livelihood is not only about getting more wages and profit but also about having job and social security. Though agriculture is not promising and reliable work in terms of wages or profit, it can still be regarded as a main livelihood in terms of sustainability in Pa-O SAZ. Hence, diversification becomes the most preferred livelihood strategy for all of the youths participated in this study. Therefore, the study suggests to promote the youths’ participation in agriculture through financial and technical supports from government, NGOs, CSOs, CBOs and the private sector in order to enhance more sustainable livelihoods in Pa-O SAZ.

Explaining barriers and opportunities for recycled pet for food packaging in Thailand through the lenses of organizational environment theory

Title: Explaining barriers and opportunities for recycled pet for food packaging in Thailand through the lenses of organizational environment theory

Author: Miss Natawadee Sirithorn

Year: 2018

Keywords: rPET, Business behavior, Recycled food packaging

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Carl Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Currently, some plastic-related companies propose a solution of recycled plastic (rPET) for food packaging as a solution for the plastic problem in Thailand. Therefore, the objective of the thesis is to study business behavior in order to understand the rationale of why some company needs to use rPET for food packaging. This study combined two theories which are the organizational environment theory and the institutional theory of CSR to analyze the effect of the internal and the external environment that influence companies to support rPET food packaging.The finding indicates that companies’ mission creates an influence on companies to promote rPET for food packaging in Thailand, especially for global companies. Global companies usually have a clear mission to show responsibility to the plastic problem in any country they are operating. Global companies mostly produce and use massive plastic packaging, making them receive more social pressure than local companies. In terms of the external environment, findings reveal the combination between the availability of financial resources and feedstock of post-consumer PET bottle that influence plastic producers to change or resist to change to rPET production. rPET is new in Thailand, and the country has poor waste segregation system. The market of rPET packaging and the feedstock of post-consumer PET bottles are also limited. It is not easy for some producer to produce rPET food packaging. This can be explained by the second factor which is recycling technology for rPET packaging. For the company who have no recycling technology for food-grade rPET, they need technological investment which requires a huge investment. If there is no clear market for rPET packaging and enough feedstock of post-consumer PET bottle, they would not dare to take a risk in investing in the new technology. Also, if any company which does not have a headquarters mission or receive high pressure from NGOs, it is unlikely for them to change from virgin plastic to rPET which has a higher production cost as well.

Coping with drug abuse in Shan State

Title: Coping with drug abuse in Shan State

Author: Miss Thiri

Year: 2018

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Pavika Sriratanaban

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: As we look around the study area, especially in the mountain areas and control over the ethnic armed groups areas, it is not hard to see the drug users and the other chemical substances selling and opium cultivation in the mountain areas. According to the drug dependents the opium cultivation can earn more money and easier than the other crops. As Lashio situated on the China- Myanmar Border Highway Road, China is the main producer of the chemical substances and importer to Myanmar. Because of the geographical situation, the study area is abundant in drug substances and chemical tablets. Heroin and amphetamine are the most popular moreover the number of drug dependents increasing according to the conversations and surrounding justice. This research also examines what is happening in actuality concerning on drug abuse regarding with the instability of political situations in Myanmar. Furthermore, this research analyses some beliefs and myths of drug use in local community, the weakness of knowledge (their practices), education level and the other internal factors which is called social factors influenced the causes of drug abuse. In the study area, it is not hard to find out the drug addicted person not only adult but also teenager in everywhere the meaning of drug use and why they became addicted to drug substances are also included. One of the key priorities of this research include how the Narcotic Drug Control policy 2018 is working during 1 year in actuality and the perceptions change under the mechanism of the new policy also discussed. The analysis of this field research concluded with the findings according to the conversations with 6 drug dependents who registered at the methadone clinic and 2 key informants with health provider and community leader using qualitative method design, consisting of in- depth interviews. This research showing greater focus on the causes of drug addiction, the role of drugs on drug dependents, moreover as the drug abuse is the trigger problems in Myanmar not only the community but also the government have to participate in harm reduction and demand reduction processes under the mechanism of the new policy to change the perceptions of the local people.

Village fund implicatgion : Community development in disadantaged region in Indonesia

Title: Village fund implicatgion : Community development in disadantaged region in Indonesia

Author: Dian Suryani Sinaga

Year: 2017

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Niti Pawakapan

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: State-based management approaches to village fund program implementation has often failed to reach the optimization the benefit from this program for village development in disadvantaged village in Indonesia. The goal of village fund program is for alleviating poverty, improving village public services, promoting the village economy, overcoming Indonesia development gap, and strengthening village community as the subject of development. This research is based on the assumption that the optimization of village fund utilization is related to the management project. Against this background, by co-management strategy for village fund program have a considerable potential for minimizing the obstacles approached by community participation and co-management. The purpose of this study is to analyze the strategy of co-management in optimizing the village funds utilization in the disadvantaged villages throuht a qualitative approach. The author uses the purposive sampling method through interviews, observation, documentation, and informal talk. The process of data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, and the conclusion of observation. The concepts of community participation, co-management, and village development are needed in optimizing the village fund program for village development. In fact, participation was obtained through a good co-management among village government, village elited, and villagers. The result are people are willing in giving participation by ideas, funds, skill, as well as material development and minimizing implication. Conclusion highlight the importance of improvement of management project, cross-sector collaboration, and support regulation in for optimizing of village fund utilization

Corporate Social Responsibility in the Sugarcane Industry and Its Implications on Sustainable Development : A Case Study of Mitr Phol Sugar Corporation’s CSR Policy and Practice in Suphanburi Province, Thailand

Title: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Sugarcane Industry and Its Implications on Sustainable Development : A Case Study of Mitr Phol Sugar Corporation’s CSR Policy and Practice in Suphanburi Province, Thailand

Author: Colin Morgan Carpenter

Year: 2015

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Ake Tangsupvattana

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This paper investigates Mitr Phol’s Sugar Company’s engagement with CSR policy and practice and its contribution to sustainable development within a farming community. The study examines the firm’s CSR motivation, and how this integrates concepts of stakeholder engagement and mitigates impacts on the environment. This topic was chosen to highlight Mitr Phol’s aim to address sustainability issues through dialogue and the empowerment of stakeholder communities. A qualitative case study approach was applied and involved interviewing key executives and managers, as well as conducting focus groups with community elders from municipal villages. The adaptation of corporate social performance (CSP) models and sustainable development frameworks shed light on the responsibility, responsiveness and outcome of CSR practice and its ramification on the community. It is revealed that CSR policy and practice are formulated at managerial levels and primarily focus on constructive engagements with stakeholders and commitments towards environmental sustainability. Mitr Phol does not merely aim to identify issues in the community, but strives towards building the capacity and knowledge of stakeholders, so they can actualize their own development initiatives. The firm practices balanced sustainability and acknowledges that it can only maintain natural capital to a certain degree. As a transnational economic agent, the company endeavors to integrate CSR throughout the company’s core competencies. The results of this study are useful for companies engaging in CSR.

Sand mining and villagers' livelihood in Prek Angkun Village of Koh Kong City, Cambodia

Title: Sand mining and villagers' livelihood in Prek Angkun Village of Koh Kong City, Cambodia

Author: Sreng, Sovanny

Year: 2014

Keywords: N/A

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Niti Pawakapan

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: A research topic of "Sand Mining and Villagers' Livelihood in Prek Angkun village, Koh Kong city, Cambodia" proposed to understand impact of sand mining on local villagers' economic livelihood. To guide the research, three research questions utilized: 1) to analyze impact of sand mining on villagers' economic livelihood, 2) to identify villagers'coping strategies utilize to cope with the challenge, 3) to examine whether those coping strategies can help villagers to ease their livelihood challenges. DFID's sustainable livelihood conceptual framework utilized in the study. Qualitative research method is chosen to conduct the study, and a number of qualitative research techniques utilized: semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and seasonal calendar. 14 villagers, village headman of the village, and an officer of Koh Kong Department of fishery requested to participate in the interviewing. Nine villagers are asked voluntarily to join the interview, five other villagers in the village are also requested to participate in group discussion, and two key informants, one village head and one officer of department of fishery are pledged to join the interview. The research reveals that sand mining produces adverse impacts on the villagers' economic livelihood because the sand mining cause depletion of fish stock which is villagers' main livelihood. In order to cope with the challenge, villagers utilize a number of coping strategies to response to the adverse effects. Although they are pursuing those coping strategies, their livelihoods are not same as before. A lot of villagers migrate outside of the village to look for job opportunity and receive loans from bank. Overall, it can be said that sand mining produce negative effects to Prek Angkun villages' economic livelihood. Although for the time being, the current coping strategies could possibly help them to survive, but in the long run if natural resources are not recovered their livelihood would possibly encounter more challenge

Protection of child soldier's rights in armed conflicts in Myanmar

Title: Protection of child soldier's rights in armed conflicts in Myanmar

Author: Ni Ni Win

Year: 2014

Keywords: CHILD SOLDIERS, ETHNIC ARMED CONFLICTS, CHILD RIGHTS, DUTY, BEARERS, DISARMENMENT, DEMOBILIZATION, REINTEGRATION

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This research explores the reasons why the State Party faces challenges in respecting and protecting the rights of child soldiers in Myanmar. It also identifies the root causes of underage recruitment and its violation of child rights, and emphasizes the actions duty bearers should take to protect children's rights. Finally, it analyzes the challenges of implementing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs to provide economic and social services for child soldiers. The methodology of research is a qualitative approach of key informants and in-depth interviews with a concerned range of key stakeholders and child soldiers with review and research based on available secondary data. Research findings indicate that ethnic armed conflict, lack of education opportunities, poverty, and unemployment are root causes that draw children to become child soldiers. Most cases examined were recruited into the army at age 15. Recruitment methods include force or coercion, voluntary recruitment for their ethnic identity, and persuasion or attraction with incentives by law enforcers and civilian brokers. In the army, child soldiers experienced various violations, ranging from being assigned to the front line of battle, hard work in the battle field, impunity, and severe injury by fighting. After recruitment, most of those from Myanmar's National Army, Tatmadaw, received USD 500 for reintegration. When comparing what they have experienced against Articles 4, 19, 24, 27, 28, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), many of the rights were violated, especially Article 38 which indicates that "children under 15 should not be forced or recruited to take part in a war or join the armed force" (CRC, 1989). Duty bearers, who are supposed to protect children in this case, are the Myanmar Government (including the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Social Welfare) and the Kachin Independence Army, civil society organizations, parents, and community. It was found that duty bearers exercised limited roles and responsibilities on the child soldier issue due to weak child protection mechanisms in place and challenges in implementing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs to improve socio-economic opportunities for ex-child soldiers transitioning from military to civilian lives

Natural resource governance and the politics of knowledge: A case study of the Kamoethway River Valley in Myanmar

Title: Natural resource governance and the politics of knowledge: A case study of the Kamoethway River Valley in Myanmar

Author: Lisa Schimetat

Year: 2014

Keywords: CONSERVATION / ENVIRONMENT / KNOWLEDGE / WATER GOVERNANCE /, MYANMAR

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: With rising international investment interest in Myanmar, natural resources have become an increasingly important issue of governance. The Kamoethway River Valley in the Tanintharyi Region reflects this concern due to expanding extractive and development industries, opportunities borne as a result of an agreed ceasefire between the Myanmar Government and the Karen National Union (KNU). Such initiatives have placed strain on the natural resources in the area, once abundant and still depended on by local communities. This unsustainable activity has acquired the attention of leading international conservation organisations and as a result has lead to efforts in reserving protected areas. The purpose of this Thesis is to discuss the politics of knowledge that surround the issues of natural resource governance arising as a result of the numerous stakeholders involved. This Thesis takes a community-level approach and aims to unearth the complexities surrounding knowledge production and use and the impact this has on governance. The research used a qualitative methodology, including over 40 interviews and a number of focus group discussions with members of the Kamoethway River Valley Community, leading CSOs and NGOs in the area. A key priority of this research is to identify the impact the contestation of knowledge has on local communities and how knowledge can be used as a tool with which to participate in natural resource governance. Key findings as a result of the undertaken research indicate that despite the overall clarity and linear understanding of natural resource governance, underlying dynamics, such as the politics of knowledge, complicate and indirectly impact those most dependent on natural resources. Results have shown that with increasing development ventures in Kamoethway, comes an increase in knowledge contestation that often disregards the voice of local communities. This has often led to local communities being accused of anti-development sentiments further alienating them from decision-making processes. This Thesis concludes that local communities hold the capacity, knowledge and willingness for development

Labour migration, human security and migration impacts in rural Cambodia : case study in Kampong Thom Province

Title: Labour migration, human security and migration impacts in rural Cambodia : case study in Kampong Thom Province

Author: Yan Chun Lim

Year: 2014

Keywords: CAMBODIA / LABOUR MIGRATION / HUMAN SECURITY

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In recent years, academic and the non-governmental organizations have urged the Cambodian Government to provide migrants with information to inform their decisions better. Yet, such needed information have not been empirically researched. Through a field-based survey, this paper seeks to develop rich and illustrative accounts of why rural Cambodians migrate, the options they have, how they decide on which option to take and the implications of such decision-making. This study found that labour migration in rural Cambodia is primarily motivated by economic factors, with most migrants aspiring to migrate for work to earn more income, so as to return back to their “homeland” with more economic resources. This study also found that labour migrants not only have to choose the geographical locality to migrate to, they also have to choose the types of job and whether to migrate legally or illegally. Even within the same locality, the legal status and the nature of jobs have significant implications on the migration outcomes. Also, this paper found that migration outcomes are often determined by factors that are beyond the control of the migrant, but rather are dependent on the employer and middlemen engaged. Instead, what a migrant can control is how he or she collects information and make decisions that minimizes risks and focuses on attaining their migrant aspirations. This paper found that those who react to migration information critically, based their decisions on lessons learnt from past migration episodes, and are informed by a longer-term strategy, tend to be more successful in attaining their desired migration aspirations

Human security and the Bangkok sex industry : Farang tourist's perceptions on human security in Bangkok's Lower Sukhumvit

Title: Human security and the Bangkok sex industry : Farang tourist's perceptions on human security in Bangkok's Lower Sukhumvit

Author: Larry Robert Cook

Year: 2014

Keywords: HUMAN SECURITY

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Soravis Jayanama

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Thailand’s tourism industry has spurred its economic growth over the past 50 years and sex tourism has spurred the tourism industry in both economic and infrastructure development. Thailand has enacted multiple legislations that criminalize prostitution and penalize specific violators, all of which have made little change in the prevalence of the sex industry and human security remains lacking for sex workers in a 6.5 Billion USD per year industry. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of economic and personal security (human security) and perceptions of a distinct population of western men helps to formulate western perceptions, behaviors and ultimately western investments in and tourism to Thailand. To fulfill the consistent need for workers to satisfy that consumption, exploitation and the lack of human security for sex workers is often prevalent. Once aspects of human security are understand by western male tourists ; a small portion abstains, a portion will become aware and report future violations and a large portion portrays little immediate behavior modification. With this understanding, sustainable strategies can be developed to mitigate adverse effects that perceptions have on the tourism industry and thus, decrease demand and ultimately increase human security for the sex worker.

Community radio and empowerment in human rights of Shan migrant workers : Case study of map radio in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Title: Community radio and empowerment in human rights of Shan migrant workers : Case study of map radio in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Author: Satomi Aso

Year: 2014

Keywords: COMMUNITY RADIO / EMPOWERMENT / MIGRANT

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Pirongrong Ramasoota

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: As human development has gained huge attention in international development projects by aid agencies, community radio started to attract the attention of aid agencies as plausible tools for enhancing human development worldwide. In Thailand, a magnetic destination for migrants from the neighboring countries, such as Burma, Cambodia and Laos, migrant workers easily become targets of exploitation due to the ineffective legal system to protect their rights. In this particular situation, some community radio stations play a critical role as information source and social-networking medium for underprivileged and disenfranchised migrant workers in Thai society. The focus of this research is on the empowerment in human rights through community radio. This qualitative research uses a case-study approach through the migrant community radio, named MAP Radio, broadcasting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The researcher has conducted in-depth interviews with key informants of MAP Radio and focus-group interviews with Shan migrant workers who are regular MAP Radio listeners. This research aims to examine how the empowerment of human rights is formed through the community radio for the socially vulnerable Shan migrant workers in northern Thailand. The finding has revealed that participation and involvement of the migrant workers in the community radio production process- enhances the empowerment level as well as the community empowerment

The reproduction of human (in)security : a case study of post-flood Ayutthaya

Title: The reproduction of human (in)security : a case study of post-flood Ayutthaya

Author: Tananchon Suttichuay

Year: 2013

Keywords: REPRODUCTION/ HUMAN (IN)SECURITY/ POST-FLOOD/ AYUTTHAYA

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The study focuses on human security in the post-flood environment of disaster-affected community. The research aims to assess the reproduction of human (in)security constituted by relief operation as well as institutional learning of community’s experience. It explains the reproduction process of human security concentrated on community of affected areas. In addition, it further proposes potential way of reconstructing and restructuring human security in the post-disaster environment future preparation. This research is the analytical-qualitative study being employed the case study of the 2011 flood in Lae Paniad Luang Elephant Camp and Ayutthaya Hospital community as the unit of analysis. Ayutthaya, housing five industrial zones and contributing to a large amount of the country’s GDP as well as its historical significance, was severely affected by the incident in 2011. The methodology utilized in the study includes in-depth and semi-structured interview, potentially aimed to extract qualitative data analysis. The study found that flood in 2011 resulted in immediate-to-short term food, economic, health, environmental, personal, community and political insecurity. The relief operation by different sectors contributed to addressing multi-dimensional human insecurity to some degree. The findings suggest that even though human security has been reproduced to some extent two years after the disaster, there have been numbers of issues different stakeholders need to learn and take in account in coping with natural disaster.

Capacity development in community based tourism

Title: Capacity development in community based tourism

Author: Laerke Lilith Thorndal-Debes

Year: 2013

Keywords: COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM / CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT / DEVELOPMENT / SUSTAINABILITY / THAILAND / PARTICIPATION / OWNERSHIP / LEADERSHIP / EMPOWERMENT

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Suwattana Thadaniti, advisor, Niti Pawakapan, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Community based tourism (CBT) is tourism that takes environmental, social and cultural sustainability into account. It is managed and owned by the community for the community. This thesis will enter into a critical re-construction of the central concepts related to CBT in order to create a localized conceptual framework where analysis is based on a bottoms-up sociocultural sustainable view. Through this framework I will investigate the importance of capacity development in CBT. This will be done using a case study from Southern Thailand. CBT is often perceived as a sustainable and responsible form of tourism. However, there have been numerous examples of community based tourism failing. One main idea is that CBT fails if the community does not have the capacity to manage CBT in a sustainable way. The hypothesis of this paper is that capacity development of the villagers is essential to ensure a successful and sustainable outcome of CBT. Capacity development strengthens participation, ownership and local leadership in CBT and creates a sustainable base on which the community can develop. The purpose of this research is to analyze whether capacity development is an essential component for successful CBT projects. This research has an ethnographic approach and it includes a field study in two communities conducting CBT through the social enterprise Andaman Discoveries in the south of Thailand. The idea for tourism development in the area started in earnest after the tsunami as a part of a livelihood strategy that saw CBT creating a secondary source of income for the villagers while empowering them and developing their capacities. Data for the research was collected through semi-structured interviews and participatory observation from April to July 2013. The results of this study support the assumption that capacity development through CBT can create sustainable development. By working with CBT the people in the communities have increased their capacities, leading them to feeling more self-confident and possessing freedom of choice through new contacts, knowledge, new skills and cultural pride. The communities of the North Andaman coast and Andaman Discoveries seem to have struck up a great balance where the communities themselves are in charge of running and managing the CBT, and Andaman Discoveries helping with capacity development and marketing. The results of this study can help development actors wishing to use CBT as a way to achieve sustainable development in communities by guiding them to the defining aspects essential for a successful CBT endeavor, namely capacity development that strengthens participation, local ownership and local leadership.

Relationship between non-formal education programs and employment opportunities : a case study of trainings on development in Yangon, Myanmar

Title: Relationship between non-formal education programs and employment opportunities : a case study of trainings on development in Yangon, Myanmar

Author: Eaimt Phoo Phoo Aung

Year: 2012

Keywords: HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT/HUMAN CAPITAL/COMPETENCE/LABOR FORCE/NON-FORMAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS/SOCIAL SCIENCE-DEVELOPMENT RELATED TRAININGS

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Myanmar’s shift towards a democratic country entails an opening of the country to the rest of the world, and this all has directed attention to policy makers and experts indicating need for educational reforms to move forward human resource development agenda. One of the important sectors to be scrutinized is formal education sector; the government school system. This is because employment prospects for university graduates, comprising 2.7% of total economically active population, are very challenging at present. Within this context, role of non-formal education (NFE) programs which focus more on practical learning than formal education comes to be focused. However, there are limited studies how NFE programs can fill the education-employment gap. Thus, the research explores how NFE programs, particularly not given by government universities, make the connection between educations to employment which formal education fails to achieve. This research uses combination of qualitative and quantitative methods using semi-structured interviews, surveys, key-informant interview, documentaries, and content analysis. It is found out that the alumni are satisfied with development of human capital and information network provided by selected NFE which play a gatekeeper role towards civil society working sector. Ultimately the overall employment of university graduates after attending the trainings increased and this process is sustained by job information distribution services, regardless of their first bachelor degrees. Overall it is hoped that this research would be a useful preliminary study for the private, non-governmental organizations as well as for government education systems.

The lives, working conditions and insecurities of frontier workers between Cambodia and Thailand at the Poipet-Aranyaprathet border crossing

Title: The lives, working conditions and insecurities of frontier workers between Cambodia and Thailand at the Poipet-Aranyaprathet border crossing

Author: Jennifer Maureen Finnegan

Year: 2011

Keywords: HUMAN SECURITY/MIGRATION/NETWORK THEORY/FRONTIER/CASE STUDY

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Vira Somboon, advisor, Supang Chantavanich, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: There are hundreds of men, women and children employed to transport commercial goods between Thailand and Cambodia. Through qualitative research, social mapping, and network theory we try to develop a better understanding of this complex livelihood. This case study paints a picture of Poipet’s cart pullers and porters and the labour practices and the short-term cross-border migration situation of frontier workers. The research examines their reality and frames their situation in terms of personal and economic security, migration and labour protection mechanisms for cart pullers and porters. This research couples an overview of a complex socio-economic picture with the first-hand experiences and daily challenges that cart pullers and porters face at this bustling economic corridor. Key findings from this study indicate that cart pullers and porters of all ages, including children, youth and adults represent a migrant community living in Poipet that experience vulnerabilities related to personal and economic security. Research conclusions illustrate the personal and economic insecurity issues are due to a complex situation linked to belonging to a high migrant population with limited social networks and support, and working within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) between Thailand and Cambodia. Current bilateral and regional agreements promote manual cross-border labour, but this informal labour lacks regulation and labour protection mechanisms. Practical solutions are needed to address personal and economic insecurities and improve the lives of child, youth and adult cart pullers and porters working at the frontier.