Network Management and Haze Mitigation: A Qualitative Study of Local Governance in Mae Tha District, Thailand

Abstract

Background: While the Thai government has established unified operational frameworks to address the recurring haze crisis, these top-down measures often fail to account for the unique environmental and social conditions of specific regions, leading to inconsistent results in local implementation.

Objective: This research analyses the causes, circumstances, and management strategies of haze pollution in the Mae Tha District of Lamphun Province to propose localised solutions tailored to the area’s specific context.

Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design, incorporating documentary analysis, field observations, and semi-structured interviews with 17 key stakeholders. Informants were selected based on their significant involvement in regional haze management. Data were synthesised from both primary and secondary sources to ensure a comprehensive overview.

Results: Findings indicate that the primary cause of haze in the region is linked to its topography, which is dominated by mixed deciduous forests. These ecosystems are vital for wildlife and biodiversity products, which are deeply intertwined with local livelihoods, including wild food foraging and hunting. Current management relies on loose networks of central, regional, and local representatives primarily focused on strict law enforcement.

Conclusion: Effective haze management requires moving beyond a singular national framework. Success is dependent on the ability of central and regional agencies to build trust and interdependence with local communities and the private sector.

Unique Contribution: This research highlights critical gaps in national haze policies, emphasising the necessity for localised studies that address the root causes of pollution by bridging the divide between state frameworks and community ways of life.

Key Recommendation: Government policy-making must remain flexible and responsive to the specific environmental and social contexts of each area. A primary, rigid framework is insufficient for solving the haze problem across diverse regions of the country.