THE TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION TASKS UNDER AN INCOMPLETE DECENTRALIZATION STRUCTURE: ANOTHER PROBLEM OF DECENTRALIZATION IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

Decentralization is a cornerstone of consolidated democracy, encompassing political, fiscal, and administrative dimensions in equal measure. This research article examines the problems of administrative decentralization through the case of registration task transfers within Thai local administrative organizations, with two objectives: 1) To analyze the factors and constraints that have prevented family registration and personal name registration tasks from being transferred to municipal registry offices; and 2) To propose policy and practical recommendations for advancing that transfer. This research employs a qualitative methodology, relying primarily on documentary research and interviews. The interview sample consisted of four purposively selected participants, with data analyzed through content analysis. The findings indicate that the factors and constraints preventing the transfer of family registration and personal name registration tasks to municipal registry offices are: 1) Unfavorable legal constraints; 2) Political and policy discontinuity; 3) Personnel and specialized expertise limitations; and 4) Concerns regarding data security and safety. In response, the article proposes four corresponding areas for reform: 1) Revising laws and regulations to be more operationally conducive; 2) Restructuring organizational roles and management; 3) Building personnel capacity and specialized expertise; and 4) Establishing risk management and protective mechanisms, to be introduced through phased pilot programs.