Thai Local Administration under the Phenomenon of the Administrative and Legislative Branches Being in the Same Political Team or Party : Preliminary Findings Specific to Provincial Administrative Organizations

Abstract

This article examines the positive and negative impacts arising when the executive and legislative branches of a local government organization originate from the same political team or party. It further synthesizes effective checks and balances mechanisms based on the local administration experiences of the United Kingdom and Japan under this specific political alignment. Utilizing documentary research, the study analyzed relevant documents, including the election results of the mayor and members of seven Provincial Administrative Organizations, framed by the governance models of the United Kingdom and Japan. The findings reveal that the positive impacts include the swift formulation and implementation of policies, reduced political conflict within the local council, and enhanced continuity in development plans. However, the negative impacts highlight increased risks to good governance, such as the monopolization of power, the reliance on patronage systems, and the weakening of checks and balances. Consequently, policy recommendations advocate for strengthening oversight mechanisms by adapting the establishment of Central Disciplinary Committees and Independent Committees from the United Kingdom and Japan. Furthermore, it is essential to clearly define codes of conduct for local council members and ensure genuine public participation in the planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes to foster transparency and accountability, alongside conducting referendums on critical issues.