Obstacles to Thai Local Government Autonomy

Authors

  • Weerasak Krueathep Associate Professor Dr., Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Email: weerasak.k@chula.ac.th
  • Siriphakorn Sathongchan Research assistant, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Email: siriphakorn.s@gmail.com
  • Kiraphat Khianthongkul Lecturer, Department of Urban Administration and Management, Institute of Metropolitan Development, Bangkok 10300, Thailand. Email: kiraphat@nmu.ac.th

Keywords:

Local autonomy, Authority of local government, Local monitoring, Decentralization, Thai local government administration

Abstract

This paper aims to explore practical meanings, key essence, and major obstacles to Thai local government autonomy. Qualitative techniques have been employed, including literature reviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group meetings. Content analyses show that local authorities face with various critical barriers to performing their tasks autonomously, especially in service delivery, management of fiscal and human resources, and innovative duties across local jurisdictions. It is recommended that all parties concerned promptly advocate local government autonomy by establishing their policies that aim to escalate local capabilities in providing services and improving the quality of life of communal people.

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Published

2024-06-30

How to Cite

Krueathep, W., Sathongchan, S., & Khianthongkul, K. (2024). Obstacles to Thai Local Government Autonomy. Political Science Critique, 11(21), 121–156. retrieved from https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PSC/article/view/264399

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Research Article