Civil Society Actions in Nakhon Si Thammarat to Create Common Spaces for Driving the ‘Nakhon of Happiness’

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the dynamics and initiatives of civil society in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in creating common spaces to strengthen their bargaining power in development processes. This was a qualitative study employing participatory action research methods. Data were collected through   four focus group discussions with representatives from local civil society networks and in-depth interviews with five key civil society leaders in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The findings revealed that the civil society movement in Nakhon Si Thammarat has evolved since 1984, beginning with the establishment of community-based savings groups. In 1997, the movement gained momentum at the local level, particularly when the business and industrial sectors were affected by the Asian financial crisis. Between 2002 and 2007, the enactment of the National Health Act B.E. 2550 (2007) encouraged public participation in national development related to public health and overall quality of life across Thailand. This act led to the formation of a civil society network in Nakhon Si Thammarat known as “Dap Ban-Dap Mueang.” Currently, 19 civil society networks have joined forces to form the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Health Assembly Working Group, driving forward the “Nakhon of Happiness” initiative. This initiative is implemented through the 5 Sor Operations, which include: 1) Creating a central information platform for collaborative problem-solving, 2) Developing a new generation of civil society leaders with participatory leadership skills,
3) Strengthening cooperative mechanisms among network organizations, 4) Establishing robust community organization councils as grassroots drivers of change, and 5) Empowering civil society institutions grounded in democratic values at the community level.