Local Development Role of Sub-District Heads and Village Heads in Nakhon Pathom Province

Abstract

The objectives of this article were: 1) to study the roles of local development of subdistrict headmen and village headmen: 2) to study the achievements made in various fields from the roles of subdistrict headmen and village headmen in the local development: and 3) to suggest improvements to the roles of subdistrict headmen and village headmen in the local development of Nakhon Pathom province to be more appropriate. A qualitative research was used by in-depth interviews with a group of 25 key informants. The research instruments were interview questionnaires and analysis, reading results, interpreting and conclusions by analyzing qualitative data. The results revealed as follow: In term of the roles of local development of subdistrict headmen and village headmen: the local administration has taken over the role of local development, economic and social development in the sub-district, which used to be the mission of the local leaders. However, the subdistrict headmen and village headmen also have a role and works in collaboration with local government organizations in promoting and supporting local authorities, coordinating local government policies, monitoring and supervising in accordance with the laws and intentions of the local people of each district in Nakhon Pathom province. In term of success happens in various aspects of the administration of the subdistrict headmen and village headmen in developing regions: subdistrict headmen and village headman themselves a role of their own people more optimistic in terms of the actual work and expectations on the roles of local development. However, comparing roles in all areas, leadership and leadership qualities are of the utmost importance                       to community leadership. But on the contrary, the community and social context change in Nakhon Pathom province and its rapid growth have caused the modern community to enter, new occupation and social groups, production and market systems, capitalism have resulted in the restructuring of rural communities to become urban communities where people do not have to rely heavily on community leaders, resulting in the subdistrict headmen and village headmen having to adjust and seek more roles and righteousness in their existence.