PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTING THE LIFE QUALITY OF PEOPLE IN CHONBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to 1) Examine the quality of life of people in Chonburi Province, 2) Analyze public participation and local development efforts by subdistrict administrative organizations that impacted the quality of life in Chonburi Province, and 3) Propose guidelines for improving the quality of life of people in Chonburi Province. The research utilized mixed methods research approaches. The population included residents aged 18 and older who were eligible voters and had permanent residency within the jurisdiction of subdistrict administrative organizations in Chonburi. The quantitative sample consisted of 400 individuals, with a questionnaire used as the research tool. The qualitative sample consisted of 20 individuals, and an in-depth interview was employed as the research instrument. Data analysis involved statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that 1) The overall quality of life development for residents in Chonburi Province was at a high level, with mean scores from highest to lowest in the following areas: community life, economic security, family life, health, intellectual engagement, physical environment, and work life, 2) Public participation and local development by the subdistrict administrative organizations revealed that involvement in operations, evaluation, decision-making, and promoting quality of life towards an innovation-led urban society aligned with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and enhanced culture and tourism initiatives significantly impacted the quality of life of Chonburi residents, with a significance level of .05, and 3) The study recommended concrete actions to enhance the quality of life of residents as a critical force in local development, alongside promoting tourism in Chonburi Province.