Developing Suggestions for Upgrading Local Development Plans Surat Thani Municipality Based on Public Participation

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) Study the participation and explore the satisfaction of the public towards the implementation of the development plan of Surat Thani Municipality. 2) Investigate and analyze the problems, obstacles, and constraints affecting the public from the implementation of projects according to the development plan of Surat Thani Municipality. 3) Provide policy recommendations to guide future work according to the development plan of Surat Thani Municipality in the next fiscal year.  The research methodology involves a mixed-method approach: quantitative analysis using survey data from a sample of 400 residents registered within the municipal area, segmented by development zones, and qualitative research using interviews conducted in four development zones. Data analysis will include statistical percentages and averages.

Results of the study: 1) The residents within the Surat Thani Municipality have moderate levels of participation in various aspects. This includes participation in receiving benefits, decision-making, implementation of activities, and evaluation of outcomes. 2) Satisfaction of the residents towards the implementation of the development plan of Surat Thani Municipality for the fiscal year 2023 is found to be moderate across all strategies. 3) Analysis of problems, obstacles, and constraints affecting the residents from the implementation of projects according to the development plan of Surat Thani Municipality reveals the following:

- Municipal public services are not fully covering the entire municipal care area.

- External environmental issues such as waste quantity and the need for waste bins, water supply problems, road issues, traffic problems, and safety concerns in using roads.

- Issues related to occupational activities.

- There is a high demand from residents and communities to participate in municipal public service provision.

4) Policy recommendations to guide future work according to the development plan of Surat Thani Municipality suggest the development of an inclusive city policy termed "City for Everyone". This policy aims to promote urban development readiness for various activities, enhance the skills of city residents, attract more people to participate in city development, and utilize technology to design and address the diversity of city residents' needs, ultimately creating a city where residents of all ages can live happily.