Participatory Budgeting Guidelines: A Case Study of the Self-Reliant Community Strengthening Project Based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy in Ratchathewi District

Abstract

       This research aimed to: 1) examine the forms and processes of participatory budgeting, 2) analyze the challenges and obstacles in its implementation, and 3) propose development strategies to enhance participatory budgeting practices under the “Self-Reliant Community Strengthening Project based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy” in Ratchathewi District, Bangkok. The study employed a qualitative methodology using in-depth interviews with 12 key informants-including district officials, community leaders, and civil society representatives. Data were analyzed through coding and thematic grouping.

      The findings revealed that the current model was semi-formal, with public participation limited primarily to expressing opinions, while decision-making authority remained centralized within the state. The process consisted of five main steps: planning, idea collection, proposal screening, voting, and implementation-monitoring. However, genuine co-decision-making by citizens was largely absent. Key barriers included rigid regulations, bureaucratic complexity, centralized authority, lack of community capacity-building mechanisms, declining public motivation, and inequalities among communities-especially those in informal settlements. Policy recommendations included enhancing regulatory flexibility, decentralizing budget authority to capable communities, improving public understanding through capacity building, diversifying engagement platforms, and designing inclusive mechanisms for vulnerable groups. The study underscores the need for a citizen-centered participatory budgeting model that fostered local governance and urban development.