POTENTIAL CONDUCIVE TO RECEIPT OF SPECIFIC GRANTS AMONG LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS IN KHON KAEN PROVINCE

Abstract

Local administrative organizations (LAOs) in Thailand heavily rely on grants or intergovernmental transfers from the national government due to limited fiscal authority. Some local governments are more successful when it comes to applying for the specific grants. The objectives of research were to examine the process of LAOs applying for the specific grants and to analyze conditions conducive to their receipt of specific grants. The authors employed a holistic multiple case design, exploring four LAOs in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand-two of which generally receive specific grants, the other two have rarely been allocated any specific grants. Considering from information on the specific subsidies of local government organizations in Khon Kaen province for the 2018, 2016 and 2015 budget, which will be collected through interviews from people working within the local government organizations in various positions.

            Findings reveal that while the grants application process is similar to all LAOs, those that submit their applications on a regular basis tend to receive more grants.  Findings also show that there are a number of conditions leading to successful receipt of specific grants: number of local officials and population appear to be the most important ones.  This research provides an implication to LAOs for reviewing their mechanism of and attempts at applying for specific grants.