Socio-economic impact of resettlement due to dam construction : the case of evacuees of the Pak Mun Dam, Ubonratchathani Province, Thailand

Author: Phisanu Subsakul

AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no. HS-96-02

Year: 1996

Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)

Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 1994

Examination Committee: Ragnhild Lund (Chairperson); Karl E. Weber, Soparth Pongquan (Examination Committee Members)

Abstract: Resettlement and dam construction create conflict among various groups of people. In the case of t he Pak Mun Dam, the benefits of the dam against adverse effects on the environment and the situation of displaced people are controversial. An efficient and effective resettlement approach should minimize undesirable impacts. Hence, a study on socio-economic impacts of the Pak Mun project was carried out to examine how the living conditions of evacuees are affected. The main objectives of this study are to assess major changes in evacuees socio-economic situation and to investigate their satisfaction with their living conditions and the resettlement programs. Fieldwork was conducted when the construction of the Pak Mun Dam was nearly completed. Two types of resettlements are studied and compared, i.e., evacuees who chose to live in planned settlement areas and self-managed evacuees. The findings s how that, in general, the physical conditions of infrastructure, facilities and utilities , such as power supply, roads, schools, and temples are better than before, while some self-managed evacuees do not have access to such services. The compensation given to the evacuees is used for new permanent houses and for consumer goods. Few people u se the compensation for other investments. Most evacuees worry about the high costs of living as income is expected to be lower than previously. Further, the relationship among some villagers seems to be worse than before, and people ‘s ways of life are gradually becoming suburban. The findings indicate that the decision- makers should be more aware about direct and indirect effects of the project implementation. Recommendations for improvements and future resettlement planning are included.

Scholarship Donor(s): Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)

Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science

Advisory: Full-text is available at https://library.ait.ac.th/ (accessible to local ip address only)

Search keywords index: Phisanu Subsakul Socio-economic impact of resettlement due to dam construction : the case of evacuees of the Pak Mun Dam, Ubonratchathani Province, Thailand Human Settlement (HS) Dams — Thailand — Ubon Ratchathani — Design and construction;”Pak Mun Dam”;”Land settlement — Thailand — Ubon Ratchathani”