Public Participation in Waste Management Based on the Circular Economy Concept of Koh Samui Municipality, Surat Thani Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to: 1) study the level of public participation in waste management based on the circular economy concept, 2) compare levels of participation based on personal demographic factors, and 3) propose guidelines to enhance public roles in circular economy-based waste management. The study was quantitative research with a sample of 398 residents in Koh Samui municipality. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument, and data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and F-test.

           The results reveal that:

1. 1. The overall level of public participation in waste management according to the circular economy concept was high (= 3.74, S.D. = 0.65), with all dimensions rated at a high level. The highest mean was in the dimension of benefit-sharing ( = 3.88, S.D. = 0.65), while the lowest was in the evaluation dimension ( = 3.66, S.D. = 0.63).
2. A comparison based on demographic factors showed statistically significant differences in participation levels at the 0.05 level, particularly across gender, age, education level, occupation, and average monthly income.
3. Recommended strategies for enhancing public participation include organizing public forums, educational activities, encouraging youth and community involvement, providing incentives, establishing learning centres, improving waste bin infrastructure, and building volunteer networks.