The mushrooming of factories in the area over the past few years make it an ideal site for the study, said Dr Pun-Arj Chairatana, chief researcher for the Public Policy Development Office's Thailand Reform Programme.

The study is being conducted in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Centre For Technology Foresight (Apec CTF), which is sponsoring the project.

Muang Lamphun's industrial zone is in tambon Ban Klang, which is on the east bank of the Kuang River. The mostly residential area, which is still quite conservative, is on the west side, in tambon Nai Muang.

There is a marked difference between the two areas. In factory-dotted tambon Ban Klang, which has drawn investment of more than Bt66 billion and 64,000 workers over the past two years, the average annual per capita income is Bt62,316 - the highest in the North.

Tambon Nai Muang has numerous temples and is the site of an old kingdom 13 centuries ago. Residents here say they see less of their children, who cross the river to work in the factories.

Pun-Arj said the problems range from pollution to juvenile delinquency and deteriorating family relations, to women factory workers taking up same-sex relationships. However, lesbianism has been welcomed by some parents, who say they would rather their daughters had relationships with women than with men.

At a recent workshop, residents also listed problems like frequent flash-floods after the construction of apartment buildings blocked water channels, drug use, addiction to computer games and vice-related crime.

Apec CTF director Dr Nares Damrongchai said the "Looking at Lamphun's Future" project would be implemented with measures thought up together with the public and would aim to clear up economic, social and political problems within the next 20 years.

The initial results of the project will be seen next month, and they will be analysed for further measures, he added.

Prapat Poocharoen, the mayor of Muang Lamphun Municipality, said the programme has been useful and that he would use the results so far as part of his campaign for re-election next year.

Wutthiphong Jaikhor, owner of a building supplies shop, said he was concerned that Lamphun residents now did not care much about each other, and family members had less quality time for each other.

"Parents who work in the factories have no time to take care of their children, who then turn to drugs and computer games," he said.

He said he wanted a zoning system to separate industrial areas from residential areas and to keep entertainment venues far from homes.

Natthaphong Tinakhat, a designer, said he wanted more farmers to be given more training on agriculture and fruit growers to be taught processing methods.

Regarding the industrial development, he said all factories should have water treatment facilities and sufficient welfare provisions to keep the workers safe from occupational hazards.

Yanawat Khanthawijarn, leader of a local community development group, said he wanted to see more decentralisation of power to local bodies representing the local people, who should also be educated on politics and self-governance.

He also wanted to see a mechanism to monitor state employees' performance and conduct.

Mayuree  Sukyingcharoenwong

The Nation