The Role of the Thai State in Indigenous Development: A Case Study of the Mani Indigenous in Khao Banthat Massif

Abstract

            This research article aims to study: (1) the development of Thai state policy toward the Mani group from the past to the present; (2) the impacts of these state policies on the Mani group; and (3) the recommendations for approaches to strengthen sustainable development for the Mani indigenous people. This qualitative study used document analysis, in-depth interviews, non-participant field observations, and focus group discussions. The 39 key informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. They came from four groups: 24 government officials from various agencies; 5 community leaders and intermediaries trusted by the Mani; 4 academics and independent organizations; and 6 Mani indigenous people. The research tools included observation records, semi-structured interview forms, and focus group discussion notes. Data credibility was ensured through triangulation by using multiple data sources, collection methods, and analytical theories.

            The findings for the first objective show that Thai state policy toward the Mani indigenous people progressed through three distinct phases: (1) Before 1997, policies centered on establishing permanent settlements through self-reliant village projects; (2) from 1997 to 2017, efforts focused on recognizing the Mani’s basic rights by addressing their statelessness and granting nationality and surnames; (3) from 2017 to the present, policies have increasingly accepted ethnic diversity and affirmed community rights for the Mani. The findings for the second objective show that key impacts on the Mani group include increased state recognition of their existence, the acquisition of citizenship and basic legal rights and welfare, and a growing voice for the Mani in public and official forums. Both state and private sectors have increased their protection of Mani's rights. However, structural conflicts persist between traditional land use rights and conservation forest laws, and the Mani indigenous people are beginning to lose their traditional identity and way of life. The findings for the third objective show that strengthening sustainable development for the Mani indigenous group rests on three basic principles in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Civil rights require faster nationality granting and flexible social welfare to match their migratory lifestyle. Cultural rights include recognizing their nomadic way of life and offering multilingual education. Resource rights involve promoting co-management systems and building a fair economic value chain for sustainable human security.