The Development of Quality Life and Elderly Career Development Center in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were to 1) study integrated collaboration in developing quality life and elderly career opportunity, 2) study public management of elderly quality life and career development and, 3) provide solutions to further a development of elderly quality life and career opportunity in Thailand. This study employed the qualitative research method. The data were from a review of relevant literature, and in-depth interviews with 24 key informants from 3 sub-district municipalities (Tombon), 3 district municipalities, and 3 city municipalities.

 The results of the research showed that the success factor for a sustainable development of elderly quality life and career opportunity in Thailand was from the integrated collaboration among public entities, private organizations, and civil society.   The participation concept in the study was known as Ladder of Citizen Participation which consists of 1) Manipulation 2) Therapy 3) Informing 4) Consultation 5) Placation 6) Partnership 7) Delegation and 8) Citizen Control.  The concept was proposing a New Public Management (NPM) of which elderly citizens were considered as clients and public servants were considered as service providers. This was an applied concept of utilizing private management into public management to increase productivity and quality service to elderly citizens.  The main purpose of a model development of elderly quality life and career opportunity in Thailand was to build on existing success aiming to provide excellent service for clients who were elderly and in need of assistance.