PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF PHU KHAOTHONG SUBDISTRICT, PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA DISTRICT, PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the level of community participation in the local development of Phu Khao Thong Sub-district and 2) the strategies to promote community participation in local development. The research was mixed methods research and conducted in two stages. Stage 1 quantitative research. The sample consisted of 352 residents living in Phu Khao Thong Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The research tools were questionnaires, and the data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA, and LSD test—stage 2 qualitative research. The key informants totaled 11 persons. The research tools were interviews and content analysis.

The research findings revealed that 1) the level of community participation in the development overall could have been higher. When considering each aspect, participation in receiving benefits was moderate, followed by involvement in decision operation and evaluation, which were also common. 2) Strategies to promote community participation in the development included organizing community meetings on holidays. Also, there should be various communication channels to encourage community members to volunteer as committee members or representatives in multiple projects. The target group should be the primary consideration.