Overlaps in Jurisdiction of Tambon Administrative Organizations and Problems in Local Development Planning in Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

     This research paper aimed to reveal any overlaps in the jurisdictions of the Tambon Administrative Organizations (TAOs) in Nonthaburi province and to summarize land use problems and development mechanisms that local authorities used in the overlapping areas. The research was conducted in 2009 and the methods applied were direct field surveys and satellite imagery reading, and semi-structured interviews with key informants. The research findings determined that in legal terms there was no explicit overlap. The problems were caused mainly by the way the two parties interpreted jurisdiction to their own benefit so that conflicts in tax collection were generated. The problems were clearly shown in cases where some plots of land lay across two jurisdictions. However, most of these problems were resolved; only 5 out of 18 conflict areas still remained. The mechanism that the TAOs used in response to petitions that local people submitted through diverse paths was to process the petitions through the TAO's council. After receiving approval from the council, the issues were subsequently considered in the local development plan. The recommendation for local development was that local authorities should use "planning" as an important mechanism in the development process where people participation is involved. Moreover, a special committee at the provincial level should be set up to be responsible for gathering information on problem issues. Guidelines and instructions for conflict resolution should be provided by a specific committee at the national level consisting of the Department of Provincial Administration in cooperation with other organizations that are involved.