Adaptation and Communication Factors of the Mae Kha Canal Riverside Community Following the Implementation of the Mae Kha Master Plan, Chiang Mai Province 2017–2024

Abstract

This research aims to examine the adaptation and communication factors of communities along the Mae Kha Canal in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province, following the implementation of the Mae Kha Master Plan during 2017–2024. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study reveals that the canal underwent significant physical transformation between 2018 and 2022 as a result of various government-led initiatives, including waste collection, canal dredging, waste separation and improvements to pedestrian walkways. These developments prompted community-level adaptations, including 1) the conversion of homes into shops operated by residents, 2) the rental of houses for restaurants and entertainment venues to support tourism, 3) increased efforts to claim land ownership, and 4) the revitalization of local culture to enhance tourism potential. Crucially, the study identifies three dimensions of communication as key drivers of effective change 1) at the provincial level, communication was used to construct the image of the area as a model of integrated problem-solving 2) at the municipal level, communication promoted awareness and knowledge about quality-of-life issues and 3) at the community level communication fostered participatory processes that encouraged collective involvement in shaping a shared future.