MECHANISMS TO PROMOTE EQUALITY IN OBTAINING OFFICIAL INFORMATION FOR THAIS AND FOREIGNERS IN THE AREA OF LAM SAI SUBDISTRICT, WANG NOI DISTRICT, PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. examine the rights to information awareness and access to public information as stipulated in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Official Information Act B.E. 2540 (1997); 2. study mechanisms for promoting equality in access to public information; and 3. evaluate mechanisms for promoting equality in access to public information among Thai citizens and migrant workers in Lam Sai Subdistrict, Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The study employed a mixed-methods research design. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 18 key informants and a focus group discussion involving 10 participants, using semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data were collected from 200 Thai and migrant workers, calculated using Yamane’s formula from a population of 398 individuals in Lam Sai Subdistrict. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

Findings were as follows: 1. The right to know and access information under the Constitution B.E. 2560 (C.E. 2017) stipulates the principle of equality and the right to know information. Section 4 guarantees the dignity, equality and freedom of individuals. Section 27 provides that all persons are equal before the law and are not subject to discrimination, and Section 41 provides citizens with the right to legal access to government information. The Official Information Act B.E. 2540 (1997). protects the rights of Thai people to receive information, but foreigners have rights only under the conditions stipulated in Section 9, paragraph four of the Ministerial Regulation.2.Mechanisms to promote equality in accessing government information for Thais and foreigners include: 2.1 Public relations of government agencies in enforcing relevant laws and posting of public relations boards regarding practices of the private sector. 2.2 Use of social media by government and private agencies 2.3 Cooperation activities between the government, workers and employers and 3. The evaluation of the mechanism to promote equality in accessing government information among Thais and foreigners is at a high level.