SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS OF DOI TUNG DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Abstract

Doi Tung Development Project is located at Mae Chun and Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. The project covers 149.625 square kilometers of mountainous areas. The forest land was exploited by 5 hilltribes of Akha, Lahu (Musoe), Thai Yai, Yunanese Chinese, and Lua. They practiced shifting cultivation which destroyed the Hill Evergreen Forest and Mixed Deciduous Forest of all areas of Doi Tung. The Objectives of this project were socio- economic studied culture and land use, and The inpacts of development activities on the living condition of the peoples. The studies found that the population of 30 villages was 10 886 and the main occupation were agriculture and waged labors. They did not hold any land title documents in this project area. The forest plantation was established and expanded overall Doi Tung Development, the main species are Pinus kesays and Prunus rasoides. The culture of each tribe is different especially the Akha. The impacts of Doi Tung Development Project improved the tribal conditions in various aspects i.e. education, health care, infra - structure. Therefore, the forest land use was expanding and a better socio- economic condition of the peoples was expected in near the future.