THIS RESEARCH TITLED “POLICY PROPOSAL: COMMUNICATING LIVABLE CITIES IN THE SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES OF THAILAND”

Abstract

Introduction: The research titled "Policy Proposals: Communicating Livable Cities in Thailand's Deep South" is part of a research project series called "Waerung Melayu and New Narratives: Livable, Touristic, and Investable Cities in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces. Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of urban livability from the perspectives of local youth and to propose policy recommendations for sustainable urban development. The research addresses issues of quality of life, well-being, and multidimensional security through communication strategies. Methods: This is a quantitative study that began with content analysis to guide the design of a survey research phase, employing questionnaires as the primary data collectiontool. Results: The findings reveal that all aspects of livability in the southern border provinces were rated as "high" by youth respondents. However, none were rated at the "highest" level, indicating development gaps - particularly in political and economic security, which scored the lowest (average score of 3.82). In contrast, cultural and environmental aspects emerged as strengths (average score of 4.00).In terms of well-being, based on the WHO Europe’s Healthy Cities framework, most issues were rated at a high level (3.85–3.94), with the highest score given to cultural heritage preservation (3.94). Nevertheless, areas such as community participation, urban form control, and economic innovation remain in need of development. These findings highlight the importance of empowering youth in cultural conservation and enhancing mechanisms for participatory urban development.Regarding security factors influencing the decision to reside in the area, all were rated highly (3.62–3.89), with no single factor standing out significantly. However, “linguistic and cultural differences” received the lowest score, emphasizing the need to promote intercultural understanding in this diverseregion. Conclusion: Developing livable cities through integrated policies that connect dimensions of safety, economy, and culture; promoting community involvement in decision-making; prioritizing areas of weakness, such as language differences; and ensuring continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential. The development of livable and healthy cities in Thailand’s southern border provinces must align with local contexts and underscore the importance of youth and multi-sectoral participation to drive sustainable and inclusive development.