People's Local Political Participation in Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to study:  1) level of local political participation, 2) factors affecting local political participation, 3) problems and obstacles, and ways of local political participation of the people in Phrom Phiram district, Phitsanulok province. Collecting data from the citizens with voting rights, aged 18 years in Phrom Phiram district, Phitsanulok province. Questionnaires was used; and related documents were studied together with interviews with 34 informants.

           The results of the research were as follows:

1. The overall level of the informant’s local political participation was at a high level for decision making in elections, elections conducting, and campaign participation.
2. The personal factors related to the local political participation in conducting elections were gender, marital status, education and income.
3. The personal factors related to local political participation in electoral campaigns included gender, age, education, income and local position.
4. The personal factors related to local political participation in electoral decisions were gender and local position.

           It is suggesting that the guidelines for the local political participation of the people in Phrom Phiram district, Phitsanulok province, should include the followings: promoting access to information and communication between the local officials and people, strengthening the ability to participate in politics creating, and inviting them to the public meeting attendance, and creating opportunities for training and skill development.