CITIZEN POWER: A NEW STRATEGY FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN THAILAND

Abstract

Objectives of this academic article explored citizen empowerment, a new and crucial strategy for local development in Thailand. It transformed citizens from ordinary service recipients to true drivers of development. Citizen participation encompassed not just participation, but also participation in thinking, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation at every stage of community governance. This article analyzd innovative and sustainable local practices, demonstrating that development success does not solely depend on the government. It also relies on the strength of community organizations and the creation of mechanisms that foster genuine citizen participation, whether in policymaking, resource management, or community-based public services, from water management and waste collection to elderly care and education promotion. Promoting citizen empowerment as a key strategy must be pursued in conjunction with developing citizens’ potential and knowledge. Strengthening collaborative networks between government, local administrative organizations, and citizens ensured transparent, effective, and truly responsive participatory development that truly meets community needs leading to sustainable local administration that is valuable to all.