Legal Frameworks for Public Participation in Local Development

Abstract

This research aims to study the problems and limitations of laws related to public participation in local development, analyze constitutional and subordinate legislation, and explore ways to amend and improve these laws. This research is a documentary study, utilizing academic documents such as research papers, articles, law books, and theses. Legal documents such as the Constitution and relevant Acts are used.

           The study found that while the 2017 Constitution and related laws, such as the Municipal Act of 1953, the Tambon Council and Sub-district Administrative Organization Act of 1994, and the Decentralization Plan and Procedures Act of 1999, guarantee the right to participation, practical obstacles remain. These include complex procedures, high petition requirements, ceremonial public consultations, and a lack of public knowledge. Therefore, it proposes the enactment of a new Act on the Right to Local Public Participation, clearly defining the processes and rights for oversight. Furthermore, existing laws should be improved, such as lowering petition requirements, establishing legally mandated public forums, and developing electronic participation systems. This will ensure the constitutional rights are effectively implemented, leading to transparent and sustainable local development.