Author: Kanokchai Mangmesup
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.DS-24-09
Year: 2024
Academic Program: Development and Sustainability (DS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2024
Examination Committee: Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen (Chairperson); Kyoko Kusakabe, Ekbordin Winijkul (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: Urban air pollution is a critical environmental and health issue in cities worldwide, with adverse effects on both urban populations and ecosystems. The existing literature primarily focuses on the causes and health consequences of air pollution. This study explores the complexities of urban air pollution governance in Bangkok. The research aims to examine how the science-policy interface within collaborative governance framework contributes to the management of urban air pollution in Bangkok. The research investigates three main aspects: stakeholder dynamics and relationships, legal and policy frameworks affecting collaboration, and the effectiveness of current collaborative efforts in addressing air pollution through principled engagement, shared motivation, and joint action capabilities. This research employed a qualitative approach utilizing stakeholder analysis, document analysis, and in-depth interviews. Data were collected from 25 key informants through purposive sampling. The analysis combined assessment of stakeholder influence and interest levels, examination of legal and policy frameworks, and investigation of collaborative processes through data triangulation. The analysis reveals a fragmented institutional landscape in Bangkok’s air quality management. While national environmental bodies demonstrate maximum influence and interest, sectoral implementation agencies show only moderate levels of both attributes. Academic institutions maintain notably low influence despite varying levels of interest, highlighting a critical weakness in the science-policy interface. Support and administrative bodies show minimal influence and interest despite their crucial role in resource allocation. This misalignment between authority, interest, and capability significantly impedes effective collaborative governance. The legal framework for air pollution management is predominantly outdated, with penalties that do not reflect current environmental concerns. Laws are scattered across multiple docu
Scholarship Donor(s): Royal Thai Government Fellowship
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development
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