Roles and Limitations of Civil Society in Promoting the Development of Thailand’s Sustainable Infrastructure: A Case Study of the Double-Track Railway Project, Southern Line, Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin Route

Abstract

This research aims to examine the impact of the Southern Double-Track Railway Project (Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin section) on strengthening the role of civil society in sustainable infrastructure development, particularly the coordination between civil society and relevant agencies. The objectives of the research are: 1) to study the roles and participation of civil society in the Southern Double-Track Railway Project between Nakhon Pathom and Hua Hin; 2) to examine the challenges faced by civil society in promoting sustainable infrastructure development; and 3) to identify strategies to enhance civil society's involvement in policy decision-making processes, enabling effective and sustainable collaboration with various sectors. This study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing documentary research and in-depth interviews with knowledgeable and experienced individuals in the field. The study’s finding indicate that civil society plays a crucial, yet limited, role in the Southern Double-Track Railway Project, which can be categorized into three levels: the community level, which focuses on information dissemination and listening to community concerns; the local level, where coordination with the government occurs to address issues; and the policy level, where civil society participates in policy formulation with the government. However, civil society faces several challenges, such as communication, coordination, a lack of sufficient personnel, and a lack of good governance in collaboration between the government and civil society.