Political Science and Public Administration Journal

Transforming Budgeting: Integrating Zero-Based Budgeting and Participatory Budgeting for Sustainability through Deliberative Democracy in the Digital Era

2025-02-26T16:13:01+07:00

In the context of complex economic and social challenges, the national budget serves as a crucial mechanism for driving sustainable development. This article presents a transformative approach to the national budgeting process by integrating Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) and Participatory Budgeting (PB), with a focus on enhancing transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness to societal needs in the digital era. ZBB is a budgeting approach that involves a comprehensive analysis of expenditures from a zero base each fiscal year, independent of prior budget allocations. This approach enables the prioritization of resources based on actual necessities and promotes efficient public spending. In contrast, PB empowers citizens to participate in budgetary decision-making, ensuring that resource allocation more accurately reflects public needs. This article argues that integrating these two approaches can strike a balance between fiscal efficiency and democratic legitimacy. Furthermore, digital technology plays a pivotal role in supporting the integration of ZBB and PB by increasing transparency, expanding access to information, and fostering broader citizen engagement. The article also examines the social and economic impacts of this integrated approach, emphasizing the importance of sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Ultimately, the article offers policy recommendations for the future development of the budgeting process, highlighting the necessity of further research on the integration of ZBB and PB alongside the appropriate use of digital technology. Such integration is essential for establishing a budgeting process that effectively addresses the challenges of the digital era and ensures the long-term sustainability of Thailand’s socio-economic transformation.

The Influence of the United States and the Soviet Union on the Advancement of Political Ideology on the Korean Peninsula, 1945-1953

2025-03-11T18:08:11+07:00

This research aims to study the ideological political actions of the superpowers, between the United States and the Soviet Union, which affected the relationship between North Korea and South Korea from 1945 to 1953. The researcher has identified 3 topics for the study: 1) did the influence of the United States and the Soviet Union influence the division of the Korean Peninsula from 1945 to 1953? 2) What were the political actions of the United States and the Soviet Union after the Korean War? and 3) What is the direction of the political conflict situation between the two Koreas at present? From the study, it can be concluded that from the past to the present, the United States and the Soviet Union have been involved in supporting the division of the two Koreas, and the leaders of both Koreas were willing. Due to political interests and power, the United States and the Soviet Union had to maintain their power on the Korean Peninsula to use as a buffer zone between their political ideological countries. When using an example to connect to current events, it can also be analyzed that North Korea's delivery of more than 1,000 containers of weapons to Russia to fight Ukraine means that North Korea and Russia still maintain good cooperation. North Korea's provocation this time may not be a provocation to claim pride and balance power. But it means intentionally challenging the United States. Therefore, if a war breaks out, the conflict between the two Koreas will not only be a problem on the peninsula, but also a conflict that is intentionally interfered by the superpowers, the United States and Russia.

Local Government Organization in Pattani Province Dedicated to Promoting Peace in the Southern Border Provinces

2025-06-10T15:06:58+07:00

This research article aims to examine the role of local administrative organizations in Pattani province in promoting peace in Thailand's southern border provinces. Using qualitative research methods through in-depth interviews with personnel from three local administrative organizations—Pattani Provincial Administrative Organization, Pattani Municipality, and Na Ket Subdistrict Administrative Organization—the study found that local administrative organizations in Pattani province play a significant role in promoting peace through public service mechanisms that respond to the multicultural context and needs of the local population in four key dimensions: 1) Quality of life development for peace-building through public services covering economic, educational, public health, and basic infrastructure needs; 2) Creating a peaceful multicultural society through shared spaces and activities between Thai Buddhists and Muslims; 3) Building networks of participation and cooperation with all sectors; and 4) Establishing diverse and effective community participation mechanisms. Although each local administrative organization has different emphases and innovations according to their organizational context and capacity, all three demonstrate that peace-building in the southern border provinces does not necessarily rely solely on security measures but can begin with quality of life development, intercultural understanding, and participation from all sectors, with local administrative organizations serving as important coordinating mechanisms.

Overseas Election and the Political Rights of the Thai Migrant Workers in Malaysia

2025-03-20T15:06:58+07:00

The role of Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in organizing elections outside the Kingdom and the voting participation of Thai migrant workers are both significant factors in electoral processes. This research aims to: 1) examine the role of the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in managing the 2023 election outside the Kingdom, and 2) investigate the political rights of Thai migrant workers in Malaysia. The study employs qualitative research methodology through document analysis, non-participant observation, and interviews with 32 individuals including Thai migrant workers and government officials. The findings indicate that the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur successfully utilized its legal authority to manage the election process and received commendation for its efforts. Regarding political rights, the study reveals that: 1) In terms of voting rights, most Thai migrant workers are aware of their voting rights. Office workers ("White Collar" workers) constitute the largest group exercising their right to vote outside the Kingdom. Meanwhile, general skilled workers—such as massage therapists, fishery workers, and employees in Thai restaurants ("Tom Yum workers")—who reside near the border areas predominantly return to Thailand to vote, while some workers abstain from voting altogether. 2) Concerning political participation rights, "Tom Yum workers" are the only labor group that participates in political activities organized in Malaysia by political parties and politicians from Thailand's southern border provinces. 3) Regarding the right to information, Thai migrant workers primarily access political news and information through online media platforms, specifically Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Political Marketing and Social Media in the May 14, 2023 Election

2025-03-06T12:59:43+07:00

This research on political marketing and social media during the May 14, 2023, election aims to analyze the role of political marketing through social media, focusing on the political marketing strategies of following Thai political parties: Pheu Thai Party, Move Forward Party, Palangpracharat Party, Bhumjaithai, Democrat, and Ruam Thai Srang Chat Party. The research employs a mixed qualitative methodology combining observation and online information surveys with analysis of social media usage across various platforms including Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. It examines the activity and engagement metrics of official party accounts and key figures between March and June 2023. The research founding reveal that the political party that effectively utilized social media was the Move Forward Party, which emerged from integrating campaign strategies through social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Twitter to cross widely shared viral content and amplify political messages by adapting communication methods to reach and target voters who use social media and those familiar with various social media platforms, combined with traditional offline ground campaigning. This enabled the Move Forward Party to overcome political limitations and challenge conventional campaigning approaches more effectively than other political parties. A key finding is that the crucial factor in achieving political victory is the ability to integrate political marketing strategies using social media as a cross-platform connector. This research demonstrates that the use of political marketing strategies and social media played a significant role in the Move Forward Party’s success, while other political parties did not utilize social media as effectively as the Move Forward Party. Furthermore, future research may need to develop a deeper understanding of the voter base and
the voting behavior of supporters of each political party.

The Role of the Thai Government in Regulating Cybercrime: A Mixed-Methods Study on Economic and Social Impacts in Bangkok

2025-05-30T14:16:46+07:00

The researcher examined the effectiveness of Thailand’s governmental regulatory framework in addressing cybercrime and its subsequent socioeconomic impacts within the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Through a comprehensive analysis of quantitative survey data from 1,142 Bangkok residents (response rate 95.2%) and qualitative insights from 20 cybersecurity experts and policymakers, the researcher investigated the relationship between regulatory implementation and cybercrime prevention outcomes. The findings revealed a statistically significant correlation between regulatory awareness and reduced cybercrime victimization (r = -.683, p < .001), with high digital engagement respondents experiencing substantially lower annual losses (THB 15,426) compared to low engagement users (THB 31,542). The sectoral analysis demonstrated varying effectiveness across different economic sectors, with financial services showing the highest compliance rate (89.4%) and corresponding risk reduction (72.4%). Qualitative data highlighted implementation challenges, particularly resource constraints and the need for specialized expertise. The researcher identified a strong relationship between regulatory effectiveness and digital trust, with data protection awareness strongly correlating with overall trust levels (r = .812, p < .001). These findings contribute significant empirical evidence to the cybersecurity governance literature by establishing quantifiable links between regulatory implementation and cybercrime reduction in rapidly digitalizing urban economies, addressing a critical gap in empirical research on regulatory effectiveness in Southeast Asian contexts. The research provided evidence-based recommendations for enhancing regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the importance of sector-specific approaches and public awareness initiatives in strengthening cybersecurity governance.

Adaptive Leadership and Good Governance in the Digital Era: A Case Study of Government Agencies in Bangkok and the Metropolitan Region

2025-10-16T10:23:37+07:00

This study examines the role of adaptive leadership in promoting good governance during Thailand’s digital transition, where a persistent gap exists between policy commitments and actual implementation, particularly in Bangkok and surrounding areas with complex administrative and political structures. Using a qualitative approach, purposive in-depth interviews were conducted from public agencies across operational, middle-management, and senior executive levels. Data were analyzed through content and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that centralized bureaucracy, hierarchical culture, patronage networks, political intervention, and limited digital readiness constrain leadership practices. While some leaders utilize digital tools to enhance transparency and participation, most lack systemic vision, protection of frontline voices, and effective delegation, resulting in transparency, accountability, and participation not being fully institutionalized. Digital systems such as e-procurement, e-services, e-workflows, and online databases show potential to support data-driven administration and reduce corruption when guided by leaders with digital competence and ethical commitment. The study proposes a “Digital Governance Leadership Model” integrating structural and contextual factors, three dimensions of adaptive leadership, and ethical—and governance outcomes. A four-domain competency framework—digital literacy, ethical decision-making, collaborative leadership, and adaptive problem-solving—is also presented, with policy recommendations for leadership development and organizational reform.

Working Conditions and Social Protection of GIG Workers in the Platform Economy: A Case Study of Online Food and Goods Delivery Workers

2025-04-10T16:19:22+07:00

After the COVID-19 outbreak, the food delivery business has slowed down, which may change the way workers work in the platform economy. This research aims to study the current working conditions, expectations, and social protections using a mixed research method: quantitative research using a questionnaire to collect data from 409 riders. The preliminary statistical analysis was done by using percentages, frequency, and averages. Qualitative research used documentary research and semi-structured interviews with 10 participants. The research results found that 1) Current working conditions, problems, and obstacles in working include unfair employment contracts, no guaranteed income, systemic and management problems, negative perspectives on the rider profession, high-risk work, and no comprehensive welfare to ensure a good quality of life. 2) Expectations for additional benefits that riders want from government security include disability assistance. As for the security benefits that riders want from platform companies, they include reducing fees, guaranteeing a minimum income or number of jobs per day, and increasing compensation per round. The findings of this research contribute to the development of guidelines for creating suitable working conditions and the insights provided will be useful for designing policies for developing social protection for online food and goods delivery groups with the current situation.

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

2025-05-29T10:15:44+07:00

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.

Navigating the Ethical Maze: State Sovereignty, Human Rights, and the Complexities of Immigration Policy in a Globalized World

2025-05-13T11:14:44+07:00

This article examines the intricate ethical and political implications of immigration policies, underscoring the tension between state sovereignty and individuals' rights to mobility. It suggests that immigration policies strike a balance between national interests, human rights, and global economic conditions in a progressively interconnected world. The aim is to evaluate various viewpoints on immigration control, ranging from restrictive measures that prioritize national security and cultural integrity to more liberal policies that adhere to humanitarian ideals. Key insights reveal the paradox of globalization, where goods and information circulate freely while human movement faces restrictions; the clash between realist and idealist immigration policy approaches; the repercussions of events like 9/11 on the tightening of migration laws; and the ethical dilemmas in balancing state sovereignty with humanitarian responsibilities. The article concludes that immigration policies are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including national identity, economic imperatives, security concerns, and ethical considerations. It highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing states' legitimate interests with the rights of immigrants.