Journal of Politics and Governance

Thailand’s Climate Change Governance from the Polycentric and Zero-Emissions Society Perspective

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Thailand’s climate change governance is assessed on the basis of the polycentric and the Climate Action Tracker (CAT) framework. This framework is a systematic approach to understanding current climate change governance and considers the aspects of key enabling factors for effective climate actions towards a zero emissions society. The results show that, over the last two decades Thailand has continually developed important elements of governance architecture to better manage climate change challenges. The orientation of Thailand’s climate change governance has been steadily reformulated to move towards a polycentric mode, with diverse instruments formulated, cross - scale institutional arrangements and linkages established, multi - level actors, and different kinds of knowledge produced. One of Thailand’s polycentric governance developments is a proactive engagement of public and private actors to enable more effective management of climate change. An additional CAT - based analysis consistently highlights that Thailand has advanced political commitments towards a zero - emissions society. Much progress can also be seen for the elements related to policy processes and stakeholder engagement, but the institutional framework regulating Thailand’s governmental and ministerial processes for effective climate action is still weak. To advance towards more polycentric governance, Thailand should make efforts to focus on further strengthening existing mechanisms for climate change responses in the Paris Agreement (PA) regime, especially encouraging institutional reform and enhancing central - to - local coordination and decision - making processes. Moreover, stronger engagement of local - level actors provides a great opportunity to enhance polycentric governance and improve climate change responses at the front line.

The Influence of Political Institutions and Governance on Tax Progressivity in the East Asia-Pacific Region

Pakorn Soodsaen — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper examines the relationship between political institutions, governance, and tax progressivity within the East Asia - Pacific region. Tax progressivity is an important policy tool to promote more just societies and reduce income inequality. Political institutions have great influence in shaping tax policy and ensuring the progress of taxes and the configuration of the tax system. Level of enforcement and compliance with tax laws It all depends on the impact of political institutions. It was found that factors of governance and political institutions influence the progress and advancement of the personal income tax system. Political pressure, such as pressure from interest groups, can lead to changes that slow progressivity. Progressivity in the tax system tends to occur in countries with stable political institutions and a high level of democracy and transparency. On the other hand, corruption and the lack of strong political institutions can hinder tax progressivity. Strong administrative infrastructure and effective tax collection and enforcement mechanisms are essential to maintaining a progressive tax system. However, these institutions also face obstacles, such as resistance from the wealthy, a lack of technical expertise, and the need to balance interests and competitive priorities. This article explores the pursuit of tax progressivity in the East Asia-Pacific region and presents possible solutions that different countries can use. It can be used to enact progressive tax reform. Strengthening political institutions is a critical step toward tax advancement and the establishment of a fair, transparent, and accountable tax system in the East Asia - Pacific region.

Confucius Institutes: Chinese Soft Power in Thailand

Juthatip Klaitabtim — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to study 1) the implementation of Confucius Institutes (CIs) in Thailand, and 2) to verify that Confucius Institutes are the Chinese soft power in Thailand. It is qualitative research adopting documentary research and in-depth interviews. The results of this research indicate that 16 Confucius Institutes have successfully established and promoted the Chinese language and culture. The implementation of CIs in Thailand consists of Chinese language teaching, cultural activities, International Chinese language scholarship, Chinese Language Proficiency Tests, and Chinese volunteer teachers. CIs in Thailand become the first largest CIs in Southeast Asia based on the number of CIs. From 2006-2021 more than 2,000 cultural activities were organized by CIs.
The research also reveals that Confucius Institutes are the Chinese Soft Power in accordance with Joseph S. Nye’s concept of “soft power”. CIs in Thailand have been regarded as an instrument for promoting and disseminating Chinese culture and values. Chinese soft power portrayed by CIs has operated through cultural cooperation at all levels; government, educational institutes, and individual levels. The Chinese language has increasingly influenced in Thailand. China successfully uses CIs as an instrument to cultivate its soft power in Thailand. Consequently, Chinese soft power under the implementation of CIs has played a vital role in enhancing friendship and collaboration between Thailand and China. Moreover, Confucius Institutes help to promote mutual understanding and friendship between people of the two countries.

The Factors and Challenges Influencing WEEE Management in Thailand: A Case Study of The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)

Ladawan Khaikham — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to 1) analyze the factors that contributed to the BMA’s WEEE management and 2) discuss the challenges facing the BMA in WEEE management. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility between the BMA and private sector stakeholders. Enhancing competencies in legal, financial, human resource, and environmental management aspects is also highlighted. This research employs a qualitative approach to investigate the management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Interviews were conducted with 15 individuals from the government and private sectors involved in WEEE management to improve the efficiency of WEEE management. The study result indicates two primary objectives: firstly, to identify the factors that influence WEEE management practices, and secondly, to understand the challenges faced in this domain. These recommendations encompass advocating for robust legal frameworks, ensuring adequate allocation of resources, and fostering collaborative ties with private entities. This research contributes to a comprehensive framework catering to policymakers and practitioners. Its aim is to refine and optimize WEEE management practices in the specific context of Bangkok. The study suggests that the BMA should strengthen its cooperation with the private sector, adopt the principle of shared responsibility, and focus on improving its capabilities in legal, budgetary, workforce, and environmental management aspects. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners to improve WEEE management in Bangkok.

Knowledge Management and Organizational Cooperation Affecting on Public Sector Management Quality: The Case Study of the 4th Administrative Area of Probation Office

Mingkwan Kumvong, Chinnawat Chueasraku — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The aim of this study was threefold: firstly, to examine the level of perception regarding knowledge management, organizational cooperation, and quality of public sector management; secondly, to identify the components of knowledge management and organizational cooperation that impact the quality of public management; and thirdly, to propose suggestions on knowledge management, organizational cooperation, and public management quality. This study involved a quantitative approach, and its sample consisted of 217 civil servants. Data was collected through 5-point Likert scale questionnaires, and the gathered data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that overall, participants had a positive perception of knowledge management, organizational cooperation, and public sector management. Furthermore, the independent variables significantly predicted public management quality with a predictive power of 84.4 percent, at a significance level of 0.05. The study concluded that employees should be familiar with performance evaluation criteria at individual, departmental, and organizational levels. It was also suggested that executives ensure resource availability to maintain organizational effectiveness.

The Policy Implementation of e-Health in the Central Chest Institute of Thailand

Omchai Rattananont, Sirapatsorn Wongthongdee — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Most countries worldwide are embracing electronic health (e-Health) policies to tackle healthcare challenges, including the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. This article aims to investigate the implementation of e-Health Policy and analyze the factors influencing its success at the Central Chest Institute of Thailand. This qualitative study employs documentation, in-depth interviews with key informants, and a semi - structured interview method. Thirteen staff members from the Health Information Technology and Medical Records Working Group, as well as health information technology executives, were interviewed as key informants. The data were analyzed descriptively. The findings reveal that the e - Health policy implementation process occurs at the Micro-implementation level, involving three stages: 1) The mobilization stage, which includes policy consideration and support from within and outside the organization; 2) The delivery of implementation stage, where the policy is tailored to suit the implementers in each unit; and 3) The institutionalization stage, during which the institute incorporates the policy into routine tasks and involves implementers in planning. The factors influencing the implementation of the e - Health policy consist of three main aspects: communication, organizational competency, and the supportive cooperation of implementers. In conclusion, the case study on e-Health policy in Thailand highlights the significance of factors such as policy acceptance, continuity in action plans, effective communication, organizational competency, and collaboration among implementers. The proper implementation of these factors can greatly enhance the success of policy implementation. Conversely, overlooking these factors may lead to failure in implementing e - Health policies.

Strategic Human Resources Management as a Factor of Universities Competitiveness in Thailand

Sanhakot Vithayaporn, I-Ching Tung — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Thailand's universities are undergoing modernization to integrate better into the global education landscape. However, many universities still struggle with low efficiency and effectiveness in their management approaches, resulting in a significant competitive disadvantage. This study seeks to identify strategic human resource management (HRM) issues in universities and explore ways to enhance their competitiveness. There are two research questions: RQ1: What strategic human resource management is needed for universities' competitiveness? RQ2: To what extent does the implementation of strategic human resource management affect university competitiveness? This study employed a qualitative research design that involved semi-structured interviews with 20 HR professionals from various universities. Data analysis used content analysis alongside Nvivo software analysis. The results indicate that recruitment and selection procedures require adequate training, while individual development plans (IDP) and reward incentives, including fair pay, are necessary. The contemporary notion of strategic HRM has significant implications for management and academia. This study concludes that integrating strategic management theory into best practices for HRM is crucial for enhancing competitiveness in universities. Future research should consider moderating factors, such as workplace culture, organizational climate, and the state of the labor market.

“Good Citizenship”: The Ideals of Moral Politics and Democracy in the Short Stories of Phan Wan Fah Award Between 2016 to 2021

Thannapat Jarernpanit, Khwanchanok Naijarun — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The article focuses on analyzing social ideas and political ideologies in the Pan Wan Fah Award-winning short stories published between 2016 and 2021. It applies concepts from semiotics and textual analysis to interpret and analyze the signs within 77 short story texts of the Pan Wan Fah Award, considering both their literary and socio-political contexts. The results reveal that the signs in the Pan Wan Fah Award-winning short stories reflect the political ideologies of the state, such as royal democracy and moral politics, which are combined with the ideas of being a good citizen and liberal democracy. Additionally, the short stories of the Pan Wan Fah Award present the ideals of liberal democracy and active citizenship, including new common values in human rights, equality, and human dignity. However, there is also a struggle for the people's political ideology against the state, such as a fair and truly elected democracy as a hope for future politics, freedom, equality, and democracy, including resistance to state violence, suppression, and unjust power of authoritarianism.