This investigation was carried out at the Faculty of Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44000, Thailand during March to September 2011. The objectives in carrying out this work include (1) a study on social function on the practices in sharing public water resources of the Chi River, (2) to be able to describe water resources development and management system being carried out in accordance to culture, tradition, geography, ecosystem and public law. Tools being used in gathering information include personal interview, group discussion, seminars and observation tours to three villages of the Chi River basin, i.e. Chaiyaphum, Mahasarakham and Roi-Et provinces. Samples in groups were used for qualitative data and a Snow Ball technique was used for quantitative data. Each of the three locations was represented by 100 individuals of different professional statuses. The results showed that there was no specific law for use in sharing water resource and the majority of the people agree that the government should provide legal acts for water resource law. All individuals should share water equally. Water resources belong to the people not the government yet it is a 'public utility resource'. A full range of cooperation among members was achieved. Conflicts in sharing water were eliminated by group committees of the three villages of the Chi River basin. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011.