An Analysis the Driven Direction of Governorship Election Policy in Thailand

Abstract

               This qualitative research analyzes the policy direction, challenges, and recommendations regarding the direct election of provincial governors in Thailand. Data were collected through document review—including news websites, academic books, theses, journal articles—and in-depth interviews with key informants such as former provincial governors, decentralization scholars, politicians advocating for direct elections, and opponents of the policy.
               Findings indicate that the policy discourse on direct election of provincial governors emerged in the late 1980s, initiated by academics, civil society, and progressive politicians. However, it faced strong resistance from permanent officials, particularly regional bureaucrats under the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior. Although the 1997 Constitution expanded decentralization opportunities, bureaucratic constraints persisted. Following the 2014 military coup, decentralization efforts were delayed as the junta sought to restore centralized bureaucratic power, sidelining the issue until it resurfaced during the 2022 Bangkok gubernatorial election and was formally adopted by the Move Forward Party in the 2023 general election.
               Key challenges to policy advancement include the centralized bureaucratic system with provincial governors acting as central government representatives under the Ministry of Interior, opposition from permanent officials especially at the regional level, security concerns about domination by local power groups, legal and constitutional limitations, and disparities in provincial capacity risking uneven development. These reflect structural, policy, and political obstacles requiring multi-sectoral consensus.
               The policy directions can be categorized into five main approaches: (1) direct election of governors with two-tier administrative restructuring, (2) direct election alongside reduction of regional administrative power, (3) election of provincial administrative organization heads, (4) pilot direct elections in prepared provinces, and (5) retention of gubernatorial appointments by the central government. Recommendations emphasize clear government and party policy commitment, legal reforms, provincial capacity building, civic education, and personnel management amid structural changes. A phased implementation considering all stakeholders’ readiness is crucial for sustainable and context-appropriate success of direct gubernatorial elections in Thailand.