Behavioral Dimensions of Learning and Transmitting Conservation Laws among the Urak Lawoi Community in Southern Thailand: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Background: The Urak Lawoi ethnic group in Koh Lanta, Thailand, maintains a close bond with nature but faces challenges due to strict conservation laws that conflict with their traditional livelihoods. Limited formal education and communication gaps have led to misunderstandings and difficulties in legal adaptation. While awareness of conservation exists, the community lacks a structured learning process to integrate these laws into their daily practices effectively. Objective: This study aims to explore the behavioral dimensions of learning, influencing factors, and barriers to adaptation regarding conservation laws among the Urak Lawoi community. Design and Methodology: This qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Fifteen key informants, including community leaders, spokespeople, local wisdom teacher and community members, were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and informal conversations. Content analysis and triangulation were used to ensure the credibility of the findings. Findings: The study reveals that learning among the Urak Lawoi is fundamentally experiential and socially embedded, relying on direct observation, intergenerational transmission, and a cyclical process of daily survival rather than linear instruction. Key influencing factors include strong community leadership and social role modeling. However, significant barriers hinder adaptation, specifically a lack of government resources, limited access to modern technology, and a generational gap in perception. Conclusion and Implications: The findings suggest that legal compliance cannot rely solely on enforcement but requires a hybrid learning approach that validates traditional wisdom while integrating modern support systems. Sustainable coexistence requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved access to information, and collaborative policies to empower the community and bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern conservation mandates.