Guidelines for Resolving Problems and Limitations in the Supervision of Local Administrative Organizations in Thailand

Abstract

               At present, the supervision of local administrative organizations in Thailand has not yet achieved an effective balance between local autonomy and accountability/oversight, leading to problems and limitations regarding local administrative supervision. This academic article aims to study the problems and limitations regarding the supervision of local administrative organizations in Thailand and to provide recommendations for resolving such problems and limitations in a manner appropriate to the Thai context. Based on a comparative study of France and Japan, as well as relevant court judgments regarding the supervision of local administrative organizations, this study reflects the problems and limitations concerning the supervision of local administrative organizations in Thailand, namely: 1) the problem of non-compliance with the essential processes and procedures of supervision, and 2) the exercise of supervisory power over local administrative organizations that exceeds the scope prescribed by law. Based on these problems and limitations, three guidelines for resolution appropriate to the Thai context are proposed: 1)the determination of systematic and clear criteria and guidelines for supervision; 2) the establishment of advisory bodies; and 3) the improvement of laws and regulations to be appropriate for practical application, so that the supervision of local administrative organizations may be conducted correctly within the framework of the law or defined powers and duties, and in accordance with the intent of the principles of local government supervision, which emphasize the independence of local self-governance, with the primary goal of protecting the public interest and truly responding to the needs of the people.