New Paradigms in Local Administration

Abstract

This article discusses the old and new paradigms of good governance in local administration in Thailand, and examines the evolution of Thai local administration under the old and new paradigms. The paradigms consist of New Public Management, Governance, and Local Governance. The application of these paradigms in a changing world puts pressure on Thailand to make political, social, and economic adjustments in order to create good governance systems. Such adjustments will create impact upon the public administration, decentralization, and increase the role of civil society, resulting in better local government administration.