Patronage-Based System Politics of Local Government Organizations in Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) Local political power structures of LAOs in Samut Prakan Province, 2) Characteristics and relationships between local political power and patronage system of LAOs in Samut Prakan Province, and 3) Local political power structures that are legitimate according to principles of good governance within LAOs. This qualitative research study utilizes data from textbooks, articles, research investigations, field research, in-depth interviews with 15 key-informants, non-participatory observation, and internet searches for relevant information from academic sources based on being germane to issues grounded in the conceptual framework of this research. Data is then analyzed using content analysis.

The research results were found as follows: 1) The local political power structure is characterized by a two-party system between Asavahame family and Ratsamithat family, who have alternated control of the presidency since 2004 until 2020, two families wield political influence through five key sources and strategies: connection power, reward power, charismatic power, information power, and hidden power; 2) The relationship between the two families as elite, linking the relationships of members in the political network with the patronage system of parties, allies and kinship, both horizontal and vertical. The relationships within the network are political power that supports candidates who are members of elite families and have an impact on the election of local administrative organizations.; and 3)Although the candidates won local elections due to influence of patronage political power structure of the political elite, they can still hold positions as administrators or members of local councils, if these executives have good leadership, possess knowledge and ability, and promote good governance in accordance to the principles of good governance, and the public is aware of the transparency within the local government organization, local development occurs, and benefits from local development are distributed equally, the public can accept the use of political power in the patronage system.