Local Administration Journal

Revitalizing Democracy: The Transformative Power of Participatory Budgeting in the Public Sphere

2024-10-16T14:22:08+07:00

This article investigates the connections between deliberative democracy, the public sphere, and participatory budgeting, with a particular emphasis on participatory budgeting as a critical aspect in democratic transformation. It investigates the theoretical underpinnings of participatory budgeting in the framework of deliberative democracy and public sphere theory, which involve citizens in collective decision-making. It also dives into participatory budgeting technologies and methods, emphasizing the possibilities for increased citizen engagement, social equality, and improved public openness and accountability. To fully assess the impact of participatory budgeting, the article discusses its triumphs and problems, such as establishing inclusion, adjusting to technology developments, and standardizing participatory budgeting. It also examines future approaches, stressing international commonsense, incorporating new technology, and expanding the practice to other situations. Participatory budgeting may be considered as not simply a tool for distributing public resources, but also for restoring democracy and promoting social transformation. Participatory budgeting helps to create more responsive and just governance by empowering citizens and cultivating a culture of involvement.

The Role of Interorganizational Relationships in the Adoption of Chest X-ray Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Thai Public Hospitals: Multiple Case Studies

2024-08-16T09:09:29+07:00

This article explores the characteristics and roles of interorganizational relationships (IORs) in promoting the adoption of chest X-ray interpretation artificial intelligence (CXR-AI) innovation in public hospitals. The main research question is, “What are the characteristics and roles of IORs that influence the adoption of CXR-AI in Thai public hospitals?” This study employed a qualitative, multiple-case study research method. Six public hospitals in Thailand that adopted CXR-AI innovation were selected as cases, varying in terms of sources of innovation and hospital types. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire with 28 key informants involved in the adoption process. The study found that resource-scarce hospitals can mobilize the resources necessary for AI adoption through formal networks. Supplier-client relationships with outsourced IT services provide ideas, technical support, and funding for CXR-AI development. They also functioned as system integrators, linking hospitals to the existing CXR-AI services. Interpersonal relationships may strengthen into more formal R&D collaborations, facilitating the transfer of external knowledge into hospitals. Furthermore, the organizational proximity of collaborating partners can support CXR-AI development projects by reducing obstacles in the medical data-sharing process. However, the influence of interpersonal relationships and proximity varies based on the source of innovation rather than the hospital type. Understanding the influence of IORs as initial conditions for hospitals could help policymakers design measures to improve a hospital’s access to essential innovations. Also, by establishing networks between hospitals and external government agencies, early adopters and innovators can create opportunities to steer resources and knowledge to hospitals in need.

A Synthesis of Integrated Study Approaches to Southern Local Politics in the Contemporary Context

2024-12-06T08:44:38+07:00

The dynamic tension between globalization and localism has significantly shaped the evolving paradigm of social science education. This study aims to synthesize integrated approaches to understanding local political phenomena in southern Thailand, focusing on the provinces of Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the researchers analyzed a wide range of master’s theses in political science and public administration produced between 2018 and 2022, complemented by in-depth interviews with purposively selected key informants. Data were analyzed thematically to identify core patterns and insights. The findings reveal that research on southern local politics predominantly reflects conceptual frameworks rooted in local administration, thereby reinforcing an epistemological orientation more aligned with public administration than traditional political science. Although many studies adopt a behavioralist perspective, the study recommends a shift toward mixed-methods research to transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries and better integrate with broader social science frameworks. It also calls on academic institutions to revise their educational strategies to promote research that innovates in local governance and addresses community needs. Finally, the study highlights the need to develop a knowledge management system for local politics based on the concept of "glocalization," tailored to the specific contextual challenges of the university’s geographic and societal setting.

Guidelines for Strengthening Collaborative Networks in local Governance

2024-11-20T09:36:52+07:00

This research article aims to: (1) examine strategies and approaches for strengthening collaborative networks in local government administration; and (2) develop and evaluate guidelines for enhancing collaboration-based governance at the local level. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews and small group discussions. The study involved 60 key informants from different sectors in three case areas: Na Sam Phan Subdistrict Administrative Organizations in Phetchaburi Province, Bang Duea Subdistrict Municipality in Pathum Thani Province, and Mae Hong Son Provincial Administrative Organization. The study found that informal and voluntary forms of collaboration were most common. These partnerships were primarily driven by government policies and a lack of administrative resources, which limited the capacity of local governments to provide public services independently. To develop effective collaborative models, the study recommends establishing strong network partnerships, ensuring adequate budgetary support, maintaining continuity of activities or projects, and fostering leadership to guide collaborative efforts. The findings also highlight that there is no universal formula for managing collaborative networks; success depends on the local context. Nonetheless, the presence of diverse platforms for meetings, discussions, and knowledge exchange—both formal and informal—is essential. Furthermore, implementing evaluation mechanisms is crucial for assessing the effectiveness and impact of collaborative governance efforts.

Approaches to Enhancing Type 3 Billboard Tax Revenue: A Case Study of Bang Sue District, Bangkok

2024-11-19T09:38:49+07:00

The collection of signboard taxes represents an important source of revenue for local administrative organizations in Thailand. In recent years, new forms of advertising signage—featuring dynamic lights, colors, sounds, and changing messages—have emerged, yet the existing legal framework under the Signboard Tax Act B.E. 2510 (1967) and the Ministerial Regulation on Signboard Tax Rates B.E. 2563 (2020) has not kept pace with these developments. This study aims to: (1) examine signboard tax revenues in Bang Sue District from 2021 to 2023; (2) explore approaches for increasing revenue from Type 3(a) billboard taxes; and (3) propose collection methods aligned with the current advertising and technological context. Employing a documentary research approach, the study utilizes signboard tax data from Bang Sue District and applies statistical, comparative, and trend analysis techniques. The findings show that although the number of signs slightly declined in 2022, tax revenues increased, suggesting improved collection efficiency. In 2023, both the number of signs and revenue continued to rise. However, a discrepancy was observed with Type 3(a) signs: while their number increased, the associated revenue decreased—likely due to regulatory loopholes related to dynamic signage, the proliferation of low-revenue signs, or the removal of high-value signage. To address this, the study recommends adopting international best practices from the Philippines, Singapore, the United States (Virginia), and Japan, particularly in regulating sign dimensions, licensing, and location-based zoning. These strategies could substantially improve revenue collection and align local policies with contemporary advertising practices.

Evaluating Social Return on Investment in the Development of a New Value Chain in the Agroforestry Sector of Uttaradit Province

2024-11-26T10:01:25+07:00

This study evaluates the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of a value chain development project involving agroforestry crops in Uttaradit Province. Employing an evaluation research design, data were collected through structured interviews with 15 purposively selected stakeholders. The SROI analysis was conducted based on data obtained during the implementation of the project. The findings indicate that every 1-baht investment generated a social return of 5.01 baht. These returns reflect significant positive impacts, including increased income from value-added agricultural products, improved community health, strengthened local learning organizations, and enhanced soil quality. The benefits encompass both direct and indirect contributions to the economy, society, and environment. The study concludes that the project yields substantial social value and recommends continued budgetary support for scaling similar initiatives.

The Relation Between Criminal and Disciplinary Proceedings: A Case Study on Decision-Making by the National Anti-Corruption Commission

2025-01-06T11:13:58+07:00

This article examines the case of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which is tasked with identifying both criminal and disciplinary action related to corruption in office, as well as violations of official duties and justice obligations. Specifically, in the case of disciplinary offenses, which can determine both criminal and disciplinary action simultaneously. This study analyzes the principles and concepts governing the interplay between criminal proceedings and disciplinary actions, highlighting their distinct nature. Additionally, it reviews foreign legal frameworks, focusing on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Singapore—both of which exemplify anti-corruption entities that primarily emphasize criminal enforcement. In contrast, France employs a disciplinary approach that delegates authority to commanders and parent organizations. The findings revealed that Thailand's framework, grants the responsibility for both criminal and disciplinary action, which is misaligned with the original objectives of its establishment and may intrude upon the authority of civil service oversight bodies. Consequently, this study advocates for amendments to the law, proposing that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) shall be limited to investigating and adjudicating solely within the realm of criminal proceedings.

Legal Challenges in Obtaining Consent to the Use of Personal Data in the Creation and Use of Facebook Insights

2024-09-03T16:10:26+07:00

This research aims to study the problems and legal limitations related to obtaining consent for using personal data in creating and using insights on the Facebook platform and to suggest guidelines for setting policies or requesting consent for the storage, collection, and use of such personal data. It was found that there were two main issues: First, the Personal Data Protection Act 2019 has unclear criteria for determining the status of those who have joint authority to make decisions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of personal data. This makes it difficult to clearly define and allocate the responsibilities of those involved in collecting, using, or disclosing personal information. Secondly, the Act does not define what constitutes “consent.” As a result, there may be unclear guidelines for setting policies or requesting consent to use personal data in creating and using insights on the platform. The author researched and collected information from related documents, including guidelines from the EU, Singapore, and Japan, on requesting consent for the collection of personal data in the creation and use of insights on the Facebook platform. According to the study, pages or websites with the Facebook "Like" button embedded decide the purpose and methods of processing visitors' personal data. Therefore, they share responsibility as joint controllers, and consent will be required to use personal data to create and use insights on the Facebook platform. The author, therefore, proposes formal guidelines for setting policies or requesting consent for the storage, collection, and use of personal information, and defines additional terms to be consistent with international standards.