CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN KHON TAEK SUBDISTRICT, SANGKHA DISTRICT, SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

This thesis aims to: 1) examine the level of citizen participation in the formulation of local development plans, 2) compare citizen participation in the formulation of local development plans classified by personal factors, and 3) explore guidelines for enhancing citizen participation in the formulation of local development plans. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative study used a questionnaire with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.939 and collected data from 385 residents living in the Khon Taek Subdistrict Administrative Organization area, determined using Taro Yamane’s formula and obtained through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and F-test. The qualitative study utilized semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 key informants, including executives of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, community leaders, and local residents, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using content analysis in conjunction with contextual interpretation. The results revealed that: 1) the overall level of citizen participation in the formulation of local development plans was high; 2) citizens with different genders and marital statuses exhibited significantly different levels of participation at the 0.05 level, while no significant differences were found for age, education level, occupation, or income; and 3) the guidelines for improvement emphasize the need to strengthen a participatory administrative system that is transparent and provides genuine opportunities for all groups of citizens to take part in every stage of the local development planning process. From the in-depth interviews with the sample group, it was found that citizen participation in the formulation of local development plans in Khon Taek Subdistrict has been continuously improving. Therefore, it is essential for citizens to play an active role, possess bargaining power, and be involved in decision-making at every stage. Such engagement serves as a crucial foundation for achieving sustainable local development.