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2) Change in the family and clan structure 7.4 Proposal for the sustainable development of Teluk Patani
Because almost all of the households in the Moo 4 Ban Klong Pradu will Sustainable development is the development that does not leave anyone
have to be evicted, the relationships and ties of the families and clans in some behind. It should put the people’s participation at the centre, and allow them to be
areas will dissolve. Paying homage to the deceased ancestors in the Muslim well informed of direct and indirect, short and long-term impacts of the developmental
graveyards will be difficult. The fishermen will change their traditional occupation activities. They must be enabled to choose and have self-determination without
or go fishing in far-off areas with related consequences. being coaxed, forced, or victimised.
3) Change on the people’s way of life The way of life of the communities of Teluk Patani is very much interrelated
People of Thepha live in connection with the Islamic principles and are peace- with its natural resources, both in the economic dimensions and the way of living
loving and religious. The power plant and the influx of migrant workers could lead according to the religious teachings, as well as the Muslim culture. Development
to activities that are not in line with the Islamic teachings thus affecting their freedom of Teluk Patani should, therefore, be one that is well suitable for the natural
and comfort of living in Thepha. It is noteworthy that the activities run by the EGAT resources base and culture, and implemented through a process that involves the
have already caused divisions in the community people among those supporting local people in setting goals and direction for development. There should be no
and opposing the project. discrimination of any persons or groups from participating in the processes.
4) Change in the local governance There are different options and pathways that the development of Teluk
Patani could take viz. fisheries, agriculture, food and food processing-related
The local government will have to bear additional burdens in taking care and industry or tourism. Whichever developmental activity is chosen it must not fail to
maintenance of the infrastructure which will be affected by the transportation, ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources to be handed over to the
meeting the demands for water supply and electricity systems, managing increased future generation thereby ensuring sustainability of the communities themselves.
wastes and possible accidents caused by chemicals, as well as social problems. In line with the principles of democracy and decentralisation, everyone in the
5) Different industrial activities community must be entitled to equal rights to be part of the selection and decision-
making processes for the development of their communities. There should be no
Not all new industries will be suitable for the communities and agricultural policies made by the central government that take away the foundations of people’s
diversity would be more suitable compared to industrial one.
livelihoods or peoples’ rights to set the directions for the development of their
6) Fairness in employment birthplace.

The abundance of natural resources provides the community people with a
lot of opportunities for making a living. According to the EGAT, they currently do
not have the skills required for working on the project. It is to be noted that the
minimum wage is less than the daily income that the community people currently
earn.

7) New classes in the community
Although the project has not yet gone ahead, there are already divisions
among the community people between those supporting and opposing the project.
This division is expected to exacerbate with the in-migration of people from outside.
Moreover, due to a lack of understanding of the community’s culture, the EGAT’s
planned CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) will not help mitigate the problems
or strengthen the ties among the community people.

8) The collapse of social network
Since the community people are related to closely knit families and clans,
their out-migration will result in disconnection of these relationships and erosion
of culture. The psychological effect and impact on the feelings of people who
remain in the area will be immense. Moreover, many religious activities will be
affected by the change of clan members.