The provision of public services in municipalities in Thailand to improve the quality of life of elderly people

Abstract

The purposes of the research were: 1) to study the models of public service provision in municipalities to improve the quality of life of elderly people and 2) to study the factors influencing success in providing public services for elderly people by the municipalities in Thailand. The data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participatory observation and the data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicated that the municipalities applied “mixed” models of public service provision for elderly people. First, in the Traditional Public Administration model, the municipalities provide services for the elderly through bureaucratic rules in that they implement the activities themselves. Second, the New Public Management model emphasizes collaboration between the municipalities and private sector. Lastly, the New Public Governance model focuses on a collaborative partnership and network of all stakeholders such as the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the elderly's clubs to establish the Elderly Quality of Life Development Center and schools for the elderly to be the center for the elderly's activities. The factors influencing the success of municipalities in providing public services to elderly people were divided into two parts: 1) internal organizational factors such as the leadership of the municipal decision makers, autonomy in policy making, correct and updated information, committed personnel, and budget; and 2) external organizational factors such as national policies, plans and laws for elderly people, the responsible governmental agencies for the elderly people, and the partnership and networks of stakeholders.