The Existence of Field Corn Networks on the Thailand-Burma Border under the Patron-Client Contract Farming System

Authors: Kettawa Boonprakarn, Jedsarid Sangkaphan, Bejapornd Deekhuntod, Nuntharat Suriyo

Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the existence of field corn networks on the Thailand-Burma border under the patron-client contract farming system. The data of this qualitative study were collected through in-depth interviews with nine key informants.

The results of the study revealed that the existence of the field corn networks was associated with the relationship where farmers had to share their crops with protectors in the areas under the influence of the KNU (Karen National Union) and the DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army) or Burmese soldiers. A Mae Liang, the person who starts a network has a connection with a Thaokae, Luk Rai Hua Chai or the head of a group of farmers, and farmers. They are under the patron-client system with trust and loyalty that enable the head of the group and the farmers in the Burma border side to remain under the same Mae Liang even though the business has been passed down to later generations.

Keywords: Existence, field-corn networks, patron-client system, contract farming.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1092116

References:

[1] A. Kertmonkon. Effects of contract farming on peopl in Burma. Retrieved on August 15, 2012 from: http://www.gotoknow.org/blog/ migrantworkers/195510, 2008, 21 July
[2] T. Thasanakulaphan. A Lasso that kills farmers. Retrieved on July 12, 2012 from http://www.midnightuniv.org/,2012
[3] W. Dhirakoson. Contract farming. Retrieved on March 10, 2012 from: http: //www.learners.in.th/blog/tatee-ie/192901, 2008, 31 August
[4] General information on Mae Sot District. Retrieved on March 20, 2012 from, http://123.242.165.136/main? module=district&pages =district&hur_code= 06&data_type=02&language=en, 2012, 20 March
[5] No Pho. Mae Liang, interviewee at Mo Ker Thai Village, Tambon Valley, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, 2013, 17 January
[6] Sawphu, Cross-national worker, interviewee at Ban Perng Keling, Umphang District, Tak Province, 2012, 18 August
[7] Thusa, Cross-national worker, interviewee at Ban Huai Nam Khun, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, 2012, 18August
[8] Kaching, Head of a group of farmers, interviewee at Mo Ker Thai Village, Tambon Valley, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, 2012, 28 October
[9] Thomi, Head of a group of farmers, interviewee at Mo Ker Thai Village, Tambon Valley, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, 2012, 28 October
[10] Ong Ne Le. Head of a group of farmers, interviewee at Mo Ker Thai Village, Tambon Valley, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, 2012, 28October
[11] Thaokae Sing. Factory owner, interviewee at a factory in Tambon Mae Ku Nuea, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, 2012, 15 March
[12] E Mun Oo. Cross-national worker, interviewee at a factory in Tambon Mae Ku Nuea, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, 2012, 15 March
[13] C. Suwan-atchariya. Social networks Mahasarakham: Mahasarakham University, 2006.
[14] J. Boissevain. Friends of Friends: Network, Manipulators and Coalitions. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1974.
[15] M. Thongyu and D. Ayuwat. The social network of Laotian cross-national workers in Thailand. Journal of Maekong Societies, 2005, pp.1, 55-86.