The Provincial Administration Contributing to Effective of Thailand’s Development

Abstract

       This research aimed to study the provincial administration from the good role model abroad, problems
of provincial administration, and factors contributing to effectiveness of Thailand’s development. This
research was conducted through documentary study. The analysis of concepts, theories and relevant
researches on provincial administration was reviewed. Moreover, the in-depth interview was used for this
study; the key informants comprised experts, scholars and those who were related to provincial administration were selected using purposive sampling. There were 8 key informants. The analysis of qualitative information was done through explanation. The findings revealed that France was able to be a role model for Thailand’s provincial administration. However, the application of France’s provincial administration to Thailand must be considered in contexts and factors related to politics, economy, society and culture. Interestingly, problems and obstacles caused constraints in Thailand’s provincial administration comprised 1) top–down administration, 2) centralized budget policy, 3) inadequate personnel, 4) authority administration and lack of authority in making decision, 5) information database, 6) a period of time in the position of provincial governor and, 7) corruption in provincial administration. For factors contributing to effectiveness for provincial administration, they were comprised 1) leaders, 2) following-up and assessment, 3) technology, 4) competition in provincial cluster level, and 5) budget. The guidelines for Thailand’s effective provincial administration, they consisted of four aspects: 1) the delegation of making-decision power for provincial administration, 2) the budget allotment in response to the needs of provincial administration, 3) the concise and clear structure of provincial administration and, 4) the size reduction of central administration authority and placing an importance to area administration.