Developing a Deliberative Pracharath-Based Participation Model to Enhance Good Governance and Sustainable Local Democracy in Eastern Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) examine the patterns and levels of Pracharath-based participation in local development planning and monitoring; (2) investigate the characteristics of deliberative participation that promote good governance; and (3) develop a deliberative Pracharath-based participation model for good governance and sustainable local development. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was conducted in Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri, and Nakhon Nayok Provinces, Thailand. The quantitative phase involved 400 respondents using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire whose content validity was assessed by three experts using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC). Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The qualitative phase involved approximately 18-21 key informants; an additional 12-15 stakeholders contributed to model development, followed by contextual validation with approximately 6-8 stakeholders. Qualitative data were analyzed using content and thematic analyses. The findings showed that (1) overall Pracharath-based participation was moderate, with stakeholder inclusiveness receiving the lowest mean; (2) deliberative participation comprised five elements: quality of information and reasoning, equality of voice, transparency and accountability, linkage of deliberative outcomes to administration and decision-making, and process legitimacy; and (3) integration of the findings led to the Participatory Deliberative Governance Model (PDGM), linking Participation, Deliberation, Joint Decision-Making, and Governance Outcomes. The model was contextually reviewed for appropriateness but has not yet been empirically tested through implementation.