DECENTRALIZATION TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES: PROBLEMS AND OBSTACLES

Abstract

Decentralization is a fundamental concept of local administrative organizations in a democratic system. It aims to empower citizens to participate in policy-making and the provision of public services, with the central government transferring some power and resources to local authorities under their supervision. This concept can be categorized in several ways, particularly devolution, which promotes self-government the most. Local administrative organizations play a crucial role as a basic mechanism of democracy, helping to meet the needs of the people, alleviate the burden on the state, and develop future political leaders. However, Thailand’s decentralization faces several structural problems, including administrative inflexibility, fiscal constraints, a lack of merit-based human resource management, limited public participation, duplication of responsibilities, and delays in the transfer of key tasks. Therefore, an effective approach to decentralization should focus on restructuring and enacting flexible laws, strengthening fiscal independence, developing a merit-based human resource management system, promoting public participation, clearly defining responsibilities, and accelerating the transfer of key tasks. This will enable local administrative organizations to provide efficient public services that meet the needs of the people and contribute to sustainable democratic development.