The Implementation of The Development of Public Housing Policy For Low Income Group: A Comparative Study of Baan Eau-Arthorn And Baan Mankong Projects

Abstract

T

his paper has three main objectives. (1) To study the development of housing policy for low-income population, (2) To study the effects of the policy on residential development for low income families and (3)To compare the effects of policy development for low-income housing projects by using the cases of Baan Eau-Arthorn and Baan Mankong Housing Projects. This research is a qualitative research, employing several research methods, including case study research, documentary research, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and unobtrusive research method. The population of the study are the executive officers and administrators of the National Housing Authority and Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization), Community representatives and low-income population who are the residents of Baan Eau-Arthorn and Baan Mankong Housing Projects in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The samples include Phuttamonthon 4 and Songprapa 1 for Baan Eau-Arthorn Housing Projects and Ruamsamakki and Nomkao for Baan Mankong Housing Project. The finding shows that Baan Eau-Arthorn Housing project has clear aims and objectives for policy development but the target for construction is set at high doses for a limited time. The lack of feasibility study for project development and a lack of appropriate assessment of the actual needs of the residents also cause the construction
to be below the target, lower in quality and below the construction standards. In Baan Eau-Arthorn Housing Project, National Housing Authority is also supporting community development activities. However, an inability to create a strong public participation in the project and a lack of strong community leaders have made it very difficult for the project to be able to improve the quality of life of the residents. On the
other hand, Baan Mankong housing project tends to have clear aims and objectives in building security in housing for the residents. The project is based on the felt need of the community with strong emphasis on the integration and participation of people in the community. The community savings groups have also been used as important tools to drive community movement and activities. Together with stronger leader, all of these have made it possible for the project to increase security and improve the quality of life of the residents.

It is therefore suggested that, for a successful policy implementation in the future, the government should support public participation in order to really understand the real needs of the population, and also support the roles of community leader. In this way, the policy will have more chance
of success. Community and local leader participation are key factors in increasing security in housing and community development. For the theoretical contribution, it is suggested, from this study, that public participation is a key factor in studying public policy. Successful public policy requires active participation from civil society. Successful public  administration cannot be achieved by top-down management. This idea
is consistent with new public management theory with an emphasis on Good Governance and the participation of the public, private and civil society sectors. With adequate public participation, better policy implementation can be achieved.