Ngo Tham Bun or Ngo Tham Bun? Assessing hill tribe participation in development & non-governmental organizations of Northern Thailand

Abstract

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been ascribed a multitude of values and characteristics which has enabled them to pursue Alternative Development (AD). This people-centred approach to development that revolves around the principle of participation has also been postulated as the key to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of development initiatives. However, there are several meanings, forms and interpretations to participation in the field of development. This thesis will assess the degree to which the mode of participation employed by NGO projects that provide education and/or vocational training to the hilltribe youths in Northern Thailand influence the economic, social and, cultural status of intended beneficiaries. The different conceptualizations of participation and theories on development, particularly from political-economy and culturalist perspectives, would be employed to make sense of participation within a project framework and in the broader developmental processes. It was found that the case studies here do not abide by an inclusive, participatory mode of development. Moreover, both positive and negative transformations were experiences by the youths, thereby prompting an examination of the significance of participation.