ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a review of some recent work in post development geography, and presents a case study of the indigenous rights movement in Thailand. It looks at an emerging body of work in geography, which is focused on a critical and 'generative, experimental, uncertain, hopeful project of post-development. The project challenged community member's beliefs about their own power successfully to initiate new economic enterprises. A mentality which characterised locals as lacking skills, commitment and opportunity pervaded both community members and local NGOs and government officials. The Royal Thai Government (RTG) has had plenty of reasons for making it difficult for eligible highlanders to obtain citizenship. The recognition of highlanders as Thai citizens brings major changes to the lives of those who are granted papers, among which are the freedom to travel within the nation, ability to send children to school and to use public hospitals.
