The Management Community in the Highland of Chiang Mai Highland People Development Center

Abstract

This research aimed to examine (1) the management and development of highland communities by the Chiang Mai Highland People Development Center, (2) the conditions and supporting factors influencing the management and development of highland communities, (3) the tangible achievements in community development management, and (4) appropriate management approaches for achieving sustainable highland community development. This study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing documentary analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The key informants comprised 41 participants, including the Director and staff members of the Chiang Mai Highland People Development Center, local network partners, community leaders, and highland residents participating in the center’s activities. The research instruments consisted of semi-structured interview guides and observation records, while data were analyzed using content analysis and comparative synthesis techniques.

The findings revealed that the Chiang Mai Highland People Development Center plays a crucial role as a government mechanism linking national policies to local implementation, adopting an area-based integrated management approach that emphasizes people-centered participation across multiple sectors. Key success factors included government policy support, local personnel capacity, community participation, and cultural capital, while major constraints were the rugged terrain and limited resources. Lessons learned from the “Pha Mon Model” demonstrated that participatory management significantly strengthens community resilience and promotes long-term sustainability in highland development. The study recommends that (1) the government should decentralize administrative power and budget allocation to enable continuous and effective operations of highland development centers; (2) capacity-building programs and local knowledge management systems should be strengthened; and (3) successful community models, such as the “Pha Mon Model,” should be expanded to other highland areas to foster sustainable development grounded in local social and cultural capital.