ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Thailand’s approach to corporate social responsibility with its focus on sustainability and risk mitigation. The cases in this chapter narrate the Thai version of community relations that involves community development through participative and active engagement methods. Community projects that span the gamut of reforestation, water conservation, building of dams, inclusive employment and capacity development have empowered communities through knowledge transfer that has significantly boosted confidence, self-sufficiency and promoted community unity aside from the obvious economic benefits and overall advancement of the well-being of individuals and communities alike. The narratives of the community stakeholders and their transition to a better life that are not often heard about and perhaps until now rendered invisible are important additions to the CSR/community relations mosaic that is shaping up in the only constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia. While these voices are welcome, underlying forms of covert power exist and are often embedded in systems and cultural values. Navigating through these intrinsic beliefs and traditions within the globalization and sustainable development contexts form part of the challenges of community and corporate representatives. While respect and generosity underpin much of CSR activities in Thailand, risk mitigation and compliance measures under the guise of community and employee engagement also exist.
