BUILDING IMMUNITY AND INCREASING THE CAPACITY OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY IN TAK PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) examine approaches to building community resilience, as well as the benefits and potential impacts that people may receive from future electricity generation from municipal solid waste; and 2) promote participatory resilience, public understanding, and awareness of environmental and pollution-related impacts among local communities. This study employed a qualitative research design using participatory action research as the main research approach.

The target groups consisted of residents living in Mueang Tak District, covering all 11 subdistricts. Participants included four focus groups of residents, with eight participants in each group, totaling 32 participants; two groups of local leaders, with eight participants in each group, totaling 16 participants; and five stakeholder groups, with 10 participants in each group, totaling 50 participants. The research instruments and methods included focus group discussions, collaborative activities, interview forms, questionnaires, SWOT analysis, and public forums.

The findings revealed that building resilience regarding the benefits and impacts of electricity generation from municipal solid waste consisted of three key dimensions. First, resilience through participatory processes, or Social License to Operate, requires community participation from the planning stage through technology selection and monitoring. Second, technological resilience requires the selection of technology appropriate to the types of waste in the local area, together with the installation of air pollution control systems that comply with established standards. Third, resilience through community funds and welfare mechanisms is essential for returning benefits to communities surrounding the power plant, particularly in education, public health, and electricity cost reduction for local residents.

The body of knowledge derived from this research indicates that the family institution is a key mechanism for establishing social norms, especially in waste separation. Public participation also helps reduce mistrust toward government projects. Sustainable resilience for future waste-to-energy power plants depends on a transparent and accountable relationship between the power plant and the community, with the family serving as the foundation for cultivating new environmental values.