Institutionalization Building of Thai Think Tank Institute

Abstract

            The purpose of research on “Institutionalization of Thai Think Tank Institute” were to study patterns,

concepts, and roles of think tanks in public administration and classify think tanks in Thailand

and to propose guidelines for the institutionalization of think tanks that could meet Thai contexts.

This research applied qualitative methodology including in-depth Interviews and focus group

discussions. Data were collected from key informants: executive or ex-executive in the government

and Thai and foreign think tank academic officers.

            The research result revealed that there were two key factors for institutionalization. First,

a think tank Institute should apply the parallel

administrative structure with pre-approval and Besides, principles to its administration. This could

facilitate the audit process and the establishment as well as the disbandment of the institute.

Besides, public participation and private sector participation should be encouraged. Second,

there should be laws and regulations on think tanks including responsible person determination,

nomination criteria, requirement, a term of office, etc. The research found two forms of Institutionalization that could meet Thai context: advocacy think

tank and party think tank.

            The research recommended that the public sector should encourage the establishment

of think tanks and allow public participation. An established think tank, however, should

be legally accredited. It is possible to apply tax incentives for the establishment of think tanks that

could lead to sustainability. In Also, the national leader’s thinking should be strengthened.

Think tank could be institutions of the third idea which have freedom of thoughts and could be

audited by responsible government organizations. Finally, they should support political parties

to strengthen them as well as the national democratic system.