DEVELOPING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OF RATCHAKRAM SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, BANG SAI DISTRICT, PHRA NAKHONSI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the development of public participation in local development; 2) compare the development of public participation in local development classified by personal factors; and 3) examine guidelines for developing public participation in local development in Ratchakhram Subdistrict Municipality, Bang Sai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The research employed a mixed-methods approach consisting of two phases. Phase 1 was quantitative research. The sample group consisted of 376 residents living within the Ratchakhram Subdistrict Municipality area, selected through stratified random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Statistical methods used for data analysis included percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Phase 2 was qualitative research. The key informants consisted of 13 participants selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument was an interview form, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1. The development of public participation in local development was at a high and highest level. 2. People with different genders showed no significant differences in participation in local development. However, people with different ages, educational levels, occupations, marital statuses, average incomes, and residential areas demonstrated statistically significant differences in participation in local development at the .05 level. 3. The guidelines for developing public participation in local development were as follows: 1) Community meetings should be organized more frequently to provide opportunities for residents to express problems and concerns. 2) Creative activities that strengthen good relationships within the community should be promoted. 3) Greater emphasis should be placed on projects that benefit disadvantaged groups. 4) Oversight committees composed directly of public representatives should be established to ensure transparency.