A model of Local government management based on a new approach : a case study of Local government organizations in the eastern Region

Abstract

            This research aims to study and critique local government models and local government management models in the context of local government organizations in Thailand and to propose a new model of local governance in the context of local government organizations in the eastern region. The qualitative research method was used in this study with 4 types of data collection methods including documents, in-depth interviews, oral history interviews, and observations. Triangulation was also used as a research strategy to test validity. The data were analyzed based on the qualitative research approach. The results showed that weaknesses were found in the old local governance model used in Thailand. The greatest weakness is the neglect of power relations, roles of groups and classes in society, and the focus of supremacy on the electoral system which has been developed as political business based elections. Policies and management styles which have been applied to a management model and imitate the central administration. Most importantly, they are forced to carry out public activities in the forms of law and orders under the bureaucratic state. The culture of monopoly management which emphasizes on compromising the interests of the elite with a chain of command in a top-down line of work (Top-down). The followings are some important limitations found in local governance in the context of local government organizations in Thailand. Monism brings a government monopoly in public and social works. Local government organizations work publicly as the important state mechanism only focusing on elections. ln addition, old localism has also experienced problems resulted from local electoral conflicts, and this model doesn't promote public participation because they consider that people do not possess knowledge, ability, systematic and scientific problem-solving tool. The researcher, therefore, presents an alternative for local governance in the context of local government organizations in the eastern region which is called the new model of local governance originated from a new theory development of localism based on the theory of power with a check and balance between communities, civil society, and local institutes.