ROLES AND AUTHORITIES OF SUB-DISTRICT HEADMEN AND VILLAGE HEADMEN IN THE POST-COUP PERIOD B.E. 2549-2553

Abstract

The objectives of this research article “Roles and Authorities of Subdistrict headmen and Village Headmen in the Post-Coup Period B.E. 2529 - 2553” aims to 1) investigate the roles and authorities of village headmen in the post-coup period B.E. 2549 - 2553, 2) analyze the effects on roles and authorities of village headmen in the post-coup period B.E. 2549 - 2553, and 3) suggest solutions to village headmen's role and authority problems that are appropriate for present situations. This study uses the concept of deconcentralization, the principle of government and roles and authorities of village headmen to explain relations in the research questions setting. Qualitative method is used in this research. Data were collected by using an in-depth interview method. The sample groups included village headmen, government officers and political science scholars which accounted for 21 people in total. The results show that the roles and authorities of village headmen in the post-coup period B.E. 2549 - 2553 can be characterized into three patterns: 1) legality roles and authorities – village headmen have to act in accordance with related laws. In other words, the village headmen, as a local government officer, have to conduct their duties as stated in local administration act. 2) Government agent roles and authority - village headmen perform their roles in supporting or helping other government organizations who come to conduct their missions in the headmen area. 3) Community leader roles and authorities village headmen, as a leader of their community, have to take care of welfare for their community members, provide helps and advice and give warnings to the community members in order to keep peacefulness in the community ; the headmen also have to call for coperations from the community members when having public activities in the community.