A Comparative Analysis of Indebtedness Among Government Personnel: Case Study of Phra Intharacha Subdistrict Municipality, Bang Pa-In District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: Government personnel have a serious debt problem that affects their standard of living, security, and work productivity. Even while government personnel receive welfare benefits and regular paychecks, their debt is exacerbated by individual purchasing habits, a lack of financial management knowledge, and the ever-increasing cost of living. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess the level and composition of the debt burden among public sector personnel, (2) compare the differences in indebtedness by personal demographic factors (3) study the guidelines for resolving debt issues among government personnel.

Methodology: This study employed a Quantitative Research design, focusing specifically on the personnel, including civil servants, permanent employees, and general contract workers at Phra Intharacha Subdistrict Municipality in Chiang Rak Noi Sub-district, Bang Pa-in District, Ayutthaya Province. A sample size of 84 individuals was precisely determined using the Krejcie & Morgan formula. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire, which included descriptive statistics (Frequency, Percentage, Mean, and Standard Deviation. To evaluate the debt situation. To compare differences across independent variables consisting of three or more categories, the researchers employed One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Throughout the study, rigorous ethical standards were upheld, including obtaining prior informed consent from every participant, strictly maintaining data confidentiality, and guaranteeing the accurate and unbiased presentation of all results.

Results: The majority of personnel were female, between the ages of 21 and 30, had a bachelor's degree, and got a salary between 10,001 and 20,000 Thai Baht a month on average. The total amount of debt was moderate. The largest category of debt was necessary debt, which was followed by investment debt and excessive consumer debt. Individual characteristics like age, income, and years of service were found to have a major impact on debt.

Conclusion: The indebtedness of personnel in government agencies is observed to be moderate. The primary categories of debt include necessary expenditures such as regular living costs, consumption expenses, and educational fees. The observed patterns suggest that the existing income levels of government personnel are inadequate to meet the increasing cost of living. The debt burden faced by public-sector employees results from a combination of individual economic limitations and personal financial practices. Enhancing financial literacy, which includes knowledge, comprehension, and skills in personal financial management, is essential for preventing and mitigating indebtedness. The promotion of financial discipline, savings practices, and suitable investment strategies that correspond with individual income levels and financial capacities is crucial.