Factors Influencing Public Participation in Local Development: A Case Study of a Local Administrative Organization in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (1) to examine the levels of public opinion regarding local development, and (2) to investigate the factors—namely the perceived benefits of participation, leadership roles, local attachment, and community network strength—that influence citizen participation in the local development of a local administrative organization in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The population comprised residents living within the jurisdiction of the selected local administrative organization. A sample of 200 respondents was obtained using multi-stage sampling. A questionnaire was employed as the research instrument. The statistical methods used for data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis.  The results indicate that, overall, respondents expressed a high level of agreement regarding the perceived benefits of participation, leadership roles, local attachment, community network strength, and citizen participation in local development. Hypothesis testing further revealed that perceived participation benefits and the strength of community networks had a statistically significant influence on citizen participation in local development at the 0.05 significance level. Together, these factors explained 57 percent of the variance in citizen participation. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing participation incentives and strengthening community networks as key strategies for promoting sustainable citizen engagement in local development.