Public Participation in Integrated Local Development Planning: A Case Study of Taluk Thiam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to study: 1) the level of public participation in the preparation of an integrated local development plan, a case study of Taluk Thiam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phrom Phiram district, Phitsanulok province; 2) personal factors influencing public participation in the preparation of an integrated local development plan, a case study of Taluk Thiam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phrom Phiram district, Phitsanulok province; and 3) to explore guidelines for promoting public participation in the preparation of an integrated local development plan, a case study of Taluk Thiam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phrom Phiram district, Phitsanulok province. The population consisted of residents living within the area of Taluk Thiam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phrom Phiram district, Phitsanulok province. The sample size of 368 participants was determined by using Taro Yamane's formula at a 95% confidence level, and 10 key informants. Research instruments comprised a questionnaire and an interview form. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test, and One-way ANOVA, while qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive analysis and data synthesis.

           The research findings found that: 1) the overall level of the public participation in the preparation of the local development plan was at a high level, with the dimension of participatory implementation yielding the highest mean score; 2) personal factors including educational level, occupation, and length of residence in the area showed statistically significant differences at the .05 level, whereas gender, age, and average monthly income showed no significant differences; and  3) the suggestion to improve participation should include diversifying communication channels, providing opportunities for public involvement at every stage of the process, and fostering network-based collaboration in alignment with community needs.