THE RISK FACTORS AFFECTING PEOPLE AFTER THE BORDER CONFLICT BETWEEN THAILAND AND CAMBODIA AT THE BAAN PHUM SAROL VILLAGE, KANTHARALAK DISTRICT, SISAKET PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to study 1) risk perception behavior and 2) factors affecting
risk for the Baan Phum Sarol village people, Sao Thong Chai Sub-District, Kantharalak
District Srisaket Province. The research methodology is a mixed method approach. Firstly,
the quantitative research data were collected by employing a questionnaire which was
distributed to 220 people who lived in the Baan Phum Sarol community. For data analysis,
statistics with percentage, mean, standard deviation and binary logistic regression analysis
were employed. Secondly, for the qualitative research in depth interviews with 15 key
informants (KIs) were employed and content analysis was employed to analyze the
qualitative data. The results revealed that 1) the risk perceptions of people in Ban Phum
Sarol, in general, were at a high level 2) the liability factor and the knowledge and
comprehension of community leaders and early warning systems were found to influence the
risk perceptions of people. Moreover, it was found that the political factor was an important
factor that influenced their perception of risk in this area. Therefore, related organizations
should initiate policies and make agreements to allow both countries to participate in decision
making in the disputed borderland area. This would help to reassure people and reduce the
risks for local people in the area.