LEGAL MEASURES TO DRIVE SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY FOR THE ELDERLY WITH PARTICIPATION OF SUB-DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS, SAM KHOK DISTRICT, PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to review laws, rules, and regulations related to elderly social welfare, as well as current subdistrict-level laws and policies; 2) to compare elderly social welfare management through community participation in Thai Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (SAOs) with other countries; 3) to study problems, obstacles, and solutions regarding subdistrict-level policies and laws in elderly social welfare management; and 4) to identify appropriate legal and policy measures for community participation in elderly welfare management. This study employed a qualitative research methodology, with a sample group consisting of 8 Subdistrict Administrative Organizations in Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province. Data regarding problems, obstacles, and solutions for driving elderly welfare policies were collected through document analysis, in-depth interviews with experts, and focus group discussions.

The research findings revealed that 1) while several laws and policies supported local elderly welfare management, policy implementation at the subdistrict level lacked unity due to insufficient support from the central government. This resulted in local law enforcement being a mere fulfillment of assigned mandates rather than the initiation of creative policies. Moreover, 2) countries with robust welfare systems emphasized decentralization and strong community participation. Thailand could adapt certain approaches, particularly by establishing mechanisms that allowed communities and local organizations to take a leading role in welfare management to better address the needs of target groups compared to top-down commands. In addition, 3) critical problems included inadequate budgeting and a lack of integration between relevant agencies, leading to redundant and discontinuous operations. Key solutions involved developing information technology systems for data linkage and promoting the roles of volunteers and community members in elderly care. Fourth, 4) appropriate measures should focus on reforming local regulations to facilitate integrated collaboration between SAOs, other agencies, and civil society. This included formulating policies that prioritized welfare systems responding to the genuine needs of local citizens to ensure the sustainable and concrete improvement of the quality of life of the elderly.