The Extent and Impact of People’s Participation in Local Development Planning: The Suratthani Municipality Thailand Experience

Abstract

This study assessed the extent and impact of people’s participation in local development planning of Suratthani Municipality, Thailand. It employed a descriptive-correlational method which involved 399 respondents from six areas of Suratthani, Thailand. A questionnaire-checklist was used to gather data. Ethical protocols were observed. Frequency count and percentage, mean and multiple linear regression analysis were used to treat the data. The study reveals that majority of the respondents are male, middle-aged, high school graduates, receiving a modest monthly income, almost all are Buddhist and all are non – members of any organization. Further, it shows high level of incentive factors which encouraged people to participate in the development planning, high level of people participation in Local Development Planning and high level of impact on people’s participation in Local Development Planning. The level of people’s participation in local development planning is not influenced by the incentive factors and profile of the respondents. The impact is significantly influenced by the level of people’s participation in local development planning. Respondents are encouraged to pursue college level to improve their skills and knowledge with the hope to contribute more in the local development planning. The high level of incentive factors which encouraged people to participate in the local development planning may be maintained. The high level of people’s participation in the local development planning may be sustained. A similar study may be undertaken to include other variables not included in the study.