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The objective of this study were 1) to study the community empowerment of the floating market community in Taling Chan District, Bangkok Metropolitan, and 2) to study a process and forms of social capital and cultural capital, 3) to examine challenges and obstacles in the process and ways to overcome them, 4) to present guidelines for preventing problems and maintaining the community empowerment of the floating market community in Taling Chan District, Bangkok Metropolitan. This research was a qualitative study which the researcher reviewed documents and went to the field to collect data. The data was collected through an in-depth interview, focus group discussions as well as observations. Thirty-one participants who were 1) the leader of network committee, 2) community leaders, 3) monks, 4) representatives from government, 5) representatives from private sectors, 6) representatives from the civil society sector, 7) elders, 8) government officers, 9) tourists, and residents in the area were participants in this study. The main data collection technique was a semi-structured interview. The data was collected for 7 months from May 2018 to November 2018. This study reports that 1. The community empowerment of the floating market community in Taling Chan District, Bangkok Metropolitan has a long history and it has been maintained for since Ayutthaya period. It was the area which troops and people were moved pass since King Uthong dynasty and was the old capital city in the reign of King Taaksin the great. There were a number of canals and old religious sites. Various ethnic groups of people have settled in the area. The marked traditions include ChakPhra, Boat racing competition, Making a mysterious principle (perform ceremony for encouragement) for ricewere organized every year. In addition, four floating markets have become landmarks and destination for tourists. Orchards and flower gardens which are close to the city can be counted as social capital and cultural capital. Presently, Taling Chan District is one of fifty Bangkok Metropolitan districts. The traditional ways of life of people living in the area can still be seen today. Most of people and residents are farmers (agriculturists). Water ways such as canals are commonly used for everyday routes and transportation. 2. The Process and forms of social capital and cultural capital: It has been found that there was an establishment of the network committee which has a management teamtaking a responsibility in running the four floating markets - Taling Chan, KlongLadmayom, Wat Saphan and Wat Champa. The team has regularly called for meetings to discuss plans and management system Moreover, fairs traditional activities, community festivals are promoted as part of a way ofThai way of life. The community has promoted ecotourism, encouraged people to protect environment, maintain harmony and cooperation as well as help develop their community to ensure the identity of the area during the changes in community. 3. Challenges and obstacles in the process and ways to overcome: It has been reported in this study that the effects of natural changes, air and water pollution are main problems. sewerage and disposal of waste into river cause the change in ecosystems. Moreover, immigration from outside could change the ways people live their life and culture. The rapid expansion of urbanization and housing estate cause the change of community identity and ways of people life. 4. Guidelines for preventing problems and maintaining the community empowerment: It is suggested that the government, private sectors and the civil society is aware of the problems. The community should begin promote the identity of its community and raise awareness of cooperation to help develop and strengthen their community. |
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