The Comparison of Special Local Government Administration in Thailand: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Pattaya City
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Abstract
This research article consisted of four objectives as follows: 1) to study the empirical conditions of Bangkok and Pattaya city; 2) to study problems and obstacles of Bangkok and Pattaya city; 3) to study the solutions to the problems or obstacles of Bangkok and Pattaya city; and 4) to study the suitable models for Bangkok and Pattaya city. This was a qualitative research. The target group used in the study consisted of experts and those who worked in Bangkok and Pattaya city by means of the purposive sampling. The research instruments used for data collection were the interview forms. The data were analyzed by employing a descriptive content analysis method.
From the study, it was found as follows:
1) The empirical conditions sharing similarity between the two cities were that the central authority supervised both the administrators and the local council. The differences were that Bangkok was the capital city and the center of everything, while Pattaya was the internationally renowned tourist attraction.
2) The similar problems or obstacles were that the policies or projects were not from the people. The differences were that the authorities could not provide thorough attention and supervision due to Bangkok’s vast area, while for Pattaya, there were a lot of paradoxes in ideas between authorities and the local council.
3) The similar solutions to the problems or obstacles were that all relevant Acts should be amended or re-drafted. The differences were that for Bangkok, the government should appoint the special committee to oversee and supervise the overlapping missions, while for Pattaya, the policies and plan should be made stable.
4) The suitable models sharing a similarity that the government should be set up as truly a special local government. The differences were that the central authorities should transfer and appoint any tasks within the Bangkok area to be under the responsibility of Bangkok due to its high potential. While Pattaya should be made as a local organization focusing only on one function, that was, tourism.
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