People's participation in solving the narcotics problems in Maehug village, San Sai district, Changmai

Abstract

This thesis is a case study of Maehugpattana, a village in Sansai district, Chiengmai, with objectives to study drug situation in the community and how the problems were solved. It was found that some of community members were involved with drugs which caused community members to be worried. Their concerns led to the establishment of an anti-drug project which ran for 12months in 2001 and 2002. There was a constant use of social and cultural capital such as close relationship among community members, and mutual beliefs on superstitious powers, to be part of problem solving process which resulted led to high level of people's participation. The one-year project led to development of a number of activities in the flowing years. However, there were problems with low participation, conflicts, and distrust in community projects. Rules were made to deal with people who were or would be involved with drugs. Community leaders used different strategies to support the work of the people and to encourage their participation. The community has been granted budget for its activities both during the anti-drug campaign and in the later time, from local NGOs and governmental organisations. This has enabled the community to continue to safeguard itself from the return of drug problems and to develop different aspects of village life. The experiences of Maehugpattana in community development has been shared with other communities. However, for other communities to follow its development model, two factors must be considered. First, the process of work in which people's social and cultural capital is used as the main tool to address and solve problems; and, second, a good and dedicated leader who helps residents and encourage them to participate in community activities.