PUBLIC SERVICE INNOVATION IN THAI LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

This academic article aimed to analyze public service innovation in Thai local administrative organizations under the context of decentralization and digital transformation. The study revealed that rapid technological changes and rising public expectations have compelled local administrative organizations to adapt and develop more efficient public services. Public service innovation has become a crucial tool for responding to citizens’ needs promptly and effectively. Currently, public service innovation in Thai local administrative organizations encompasses three main categories: policy innovation, service innovation, and administrative/organizational innovation, covering areas from environmental management, digital systems, education, to quality of life development. Local administrative organizations must shift their roles from commanding and controlling to listening and serving, emphasizing citizen participation and technology application. However, innovation development still faces limitations in resources, personnel, technology, and inflexible regulations, along with disparities between urban and rural local administrative organizations and between large and small organizations, resulting in unequal and non-comprehensive innovation development.