THE STUDY OF LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN DAMNEON-SADUAK FLOATING MARKET

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the current situation of the Damnoen Saduak floating market community in Thailand and comparison with the past situation using the social change theory: evolutionary theory and social–psychological theory. The qualitative research was used in the study. Data were collected from 10 key informants consisted of indigenous people who live in this community - since birth to present- using participatory observation and interviews as research tools. The finding showed that the port business was of major economic importance and helped spur trading in the community. The situation has caused the change to gardeners who produce agricultural products for sale in the floating market to become a boat driver. So the income was changed from selling agricultural products to money from driving a boat. In addition, nowadays the land transport has increased causing land reclamation and encroachment on public land. Government agencies, therefore, have to solve problems by organizing occupational intervention and encroachment on public land.