Evaluation of Quality of Life, Economy and Society of the Coastal Community in Songkhla Province from the Conservation of Crab Hatchery Project by PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the quality of life, social value, and economic value of coastal community resulting from the project that has been supported by PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP). There had 137 inshore fishermen from 9 inshore fishing communities in Muang, Singhanakhon, Sathing Phra, Krasasin, and Ranot district in Songkhla province participated as a research sample. The data were collected by using a set of questionnaire. Mean ( ), percentage (%), standard deviation (SD), and content analysis were employed to analyze the data. The results showed that average quantity of aquaculture production and average price of aquaculture production which were blue crab, fish and giant freshwater prawn had raised in all 3 species after being supported by PTTEP. This can increase inshore fishermen’s income and their rate of return on investment (ROI). Regarding the impact assessment on quality of life, economy, society and environment, it revealed that the project contributes good impact to the environment at the highest level ( =4.28), followed by society ( =4.22), and economy ( =4.01) which were at a high level. As a result, the inshore fishermen in Songkhla province have a better overall quality of life.