Author: Darin Khongsatjaviwat
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Diss. no.RD-14-05
Year: 2014
Academic Program: Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP)
Type: Thesis (Ph.D.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2014
Examination Committee: Jayant Kumar Routray (Chairperson); A.H.J. Helmsing, Mokbul M. Ahmad, Sununta Siengthai(Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: This dissertation analyzes the structures and functions of local institutions in Thailand and their roles in contributing to overall rural development. Findings in the field research of this study indicate that following decentralization policy changes, the Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) as a form of local government for rural areas in Thailand is responsible for activities beyond its capacity to deliver effectively with the current support allocated. The development activities at the local level cannot be effective without adequate support of the national government and supplemented by development grants. TAOs are unable to effectively deliver the expectations of the people due to the limited financial resources at their disposal. The supply of adequate central government grants to local governments on a regular basis is crucial for meeting local needs and for achieving anything substantial. Despite the efforts made by local governments to increase their internal revenue, it remains a very meager share with reference to the total amount needed for local development. Hence, central government‘s commitment and responsibility to these organizations needs to include additional funding. According to surveys in the study two of the most valued people‘s expectations were constructing and maintaining the infrastructure and the need for vocational training. The highest expectation for economic development was in constructing and maintaining the infrastructure. The respondents were also highly satisfied with the capacity of TAOs in providing and maintaining infrastructure services. People‘s expectations and the capacity of the CBOs go hand in hand and have been very important in the context of rural development. The CBOs are able to perform their roles and functions better than the TAOs, as reflected in the conservation of nat
Scholarship Donor(s): Naresuan University, Thailand; Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship
Note: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Regional and Rural Development Planning
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