About Community

Migration History

The origins of the 5 December Community date back to 1961 (B.E. 2504), when the majority of its first settlers migrated from Om Koi. A few years later, around 1966 (B.E. 2509), people from other areas also moved into the area, selling goods at Chiang Mai Gate. Over time, more families arrived from Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Chom Thong, Doi Tao, Fang, and Mae Chaem. Because urban land prices were too high for low-income families to afford, settlers began occupying vacant land along the canal, which was then uninhabited.

The families relocated for various reasons. Some parents needed access to hospitals, while others wanted better educational opportunities for their children. Many also sought wage labor opportunities in the city. At that time, livelihoods largely depended on daily wage work. About fifty years ago, men earned 25 baht per day and women 15 baht, often through collecting vegetables to sell.

During the early years, particularly from 1966 to 1986, the community grew informally. In 1987, the community gained recognition. With support from a UN-Habitat policy promoting secure living conditions for all, the Chiang Mai Municipality acknowledged the settlement.

Although the land is state-owned and falls under the jurisdiction of multiple government agencies, including the Treasury Department, the Royal Property Bureau, and Chiang Mai Municipality, residents were permitted to remain on the condition that they rent the land annually. However, the land does not come with legal ownership or title deeds and is designated strictly for residential purposes, meaning residents cannot sell it.

Cultural and Social Life

Life in the 5 December Community reflects a mix of tradition and adaptation. Today, the community is in its fifth generation. Elderly residents are often unemployed, while some people work in construction, factories, companies, or as daily wage workers. Some have entered government service as education levels have improved. Women contribute through handicrafts, sales in markets, and wage work in shops, while unskilled labor includes garbage picking and foraging for morning glory or fish. Environmental pollution, particularly from waste oil contaminating waterways, has destroyed livelihoods that rely on the Mae Kha Canal.

The community is ethnically diverse, with residents of Lanna Thai, Thai, Tai Yai (Shan), Burmese, and Khmer, and spiritually varied, including Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and those who practice spirit worship. 

Cultural traditions remain central to community identity: Songkran is celebrated in April, Mother’s Day in August, and Father’s Day in December with major events. Residents also join the Yi Peng lantern festival and host their own cultural event, “Khwong Nee Dee Tae,” first launched in 2010 and revived in 2024 with food sharing and art activities. The community square, known as Phaya Chang Suek Yard, provides space for these gatherings.

Community Leadership and Governace

Today, the 5 December Community has developed its own internal structure and services. A community committee oversees management, supported by a finance team and a social welfare team. Health volunteers provide care and assistance to residents, while other service groups organize social activities and community development initiatives. Leadership within the community has evolved through several generations. The family of Mr. Peng Sommana led the first generation of the community. At that time, there were nine committee members. They primarily focused on community development, transforming wasteland into habitable lands, and received three community awards. 

The second generation was led by Mrs. Em Boonsita Sommana, who continued the development initiated by the first generation. Her leadership focused on strengthening community unity and improving the quality of life of residents. A community pavilion was built to preserve community assets and serve as a space for collective activities. Additionally, green areas were developed for vegetable gardening and as recreational spaces for the elderly. The vegetables grown are used for both household consumption and income generation through sales. Currently, there are seven community committee members, and in 2024, the community received awards for Community Development and Area Improvement, along with recognitions for Outstanding Public Health and Outstanding Social Development, totaling two awards.

Team Structure and Women’s Roles

The committee consists of a president, vice-president, secretary, and accountant. The president’s main responsibility is the general oversight of community issues and handling problems as they arise. The secretary primarily manages administrative and minor tasks during committee meetings.

The community committee oversees several other groups, including a women’s group, an elderly group, and the health volunteer group (with overlapping membership). Notably, leadership roles are held exclusively by women, reflecting the community’s strong emphasis on women’s empowerment.

External Networks

The community has developed strong external partnerships, which include Chiang Mai University, the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Faculty of Social Science, and the Women's Studies Center, which provide trainings to women in the community; a private university medical center; the provincial agricultural office, which assists with landscaping projects (such as building walls); the police, who coordinate with the community; and outside volunteers. Vocational schools contribute to training in mechanics and hairdressing. NGOs also play a vital role: the Foundation for Older Persons Development (FOPDEV) supports elderly residents, while RAK-THAI offers assistance to migrants.

Cooperative Team for Saving Money

A key initiative is the Cooperative Team for Saving Money, originally established with 25 members and now expanded to 3,000, including members from neighboring communities. The cooperative manages around 100 million baht and functions similarly to a credit union. It also purchased land worth 40 million baht for constructing its building, benefiting further from increased land value.

The system enforces strict financial discipline: members cannot withdraw amounts equivalent to their total savings and must also pay interest. The cooperative provides welfare benefits that resemble life insurance. For example, when a member passes away, others contribute 60 baht to compensate the family. Additional benefits include scholarships, financial support for marriage and childbirth (500 baht), and hospitalization assistance (200 baht per night).