| This research was conducted to study human adaptations to large infrastructure development in the remote commune of Thakanun (TKC), Thailand after the construction of Khao Laem hydro-electric Dam (KLD) in 1984. The analysis monitored the nature and scope of changes associated with dam construction, including changes in infrastructure, resource availability and socio-economic conditions within a twenty-year period (1980–2000). Physical or spatial changes and environmental impacts were assessed through the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques, with a particular focus on changes in land use/land cover. Social and behavioral changes were assessed through a social survey. A combination of techniques was used to identify human adaptations in the forms of changes in land use patterns, economic behavior and KASA (knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations) and based on a random sample of 340 respondents in TKC.; From this study of impacts and benefits associated with the dam and different characteristics of human adaptations found in situ, it can be concluded that major factors influencing adaptations include geographic location, capital and land possession, occupational types, government policies and geographic location (i.e. proximity to infrastructure development such as transportation routes, waterways and public service centers). In terms of capital and land, poorer people who lack sufficient capital and secure land ownership in comparison with wealthier individuals, have less chance to adapt. In terms of occupational type, the adaptations of farmers and laborers were limited by poverty and low education. On the other hand, while merchants and landlords were more adaptive in their profitable occupational practices. Governmental policy is another crucial factor in promoting adaptations of people. Some incentives provided by the government helped promote some types and degree of adaptation by less endowed people.; The case study of TKC and KLD illustrates the nature of infrastructure changes and various factors fostering or limiting human adaptations to them. In conclusion, physical factors (locations of communities and proximity to infrastructure), psychological factors (educational background and KASA), economic factors (type of occupation, income and land ownership) and political factors (support from the government) affected human adaptation to infrastructural changes imposed on an area. |
