Academic literature on the topic 'Khon Kaen (Thailand : Province) – Politics and government'

This research is based on a synthesis from a reconciliation forum for the country’s reform in Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand. The purpose of the study is to identify conflicts and development issues in the area; investigate the need for reform in various sectors at both local and national levels, and explore alternatives or guidelines to improve public service administration for the country's reform. Data was collected using qualitative research tools including focus group, dialogue, and open-ended questionnaires. The target groups consisting of 3,200 people who is living in Khon Kaen province and other 204 professionals consisting of 61 representatives from the government sector, 39 from the private sector, 33 from education sector, 22 from in the political sector and 49 from civil society sector. The results revealed that in order to diminish conflicts, reconciliation must occur at both the community and the national level. In addition, many aspects of public service administration and public policy must also be reformed; especially those involved in politics and political institutions, ethical standards of politicians and government officials, Criminal Justice System and administration, systematic corruption, education system, economic structure and income distribution; information and data management, as well as other issues stem from inequality in the society.

This article presents the economic and social effects of farmers growing para rubber in Northeast Thailand. We did in-depth interviews with government officials and farmers involved in the para rubber project implemented by Thailand’s government. From the study, we found that farmers growing para rubber have more income and a better quality of life. In addition, the social status of farmers growing para rubber is elevated within the community because their wealth is greatly increased after they sell their liquid para rubber.

The aim of this research is to understand local service delivery in Thailand's post-2006 national political crisis. The researcher collected qualitative data in four municipalities in Khon Kaen Province. The analytical framework covered five moderating variables: political institutions, civic engagement, political leadership, governance, and political economy. The results were mixed. Local service delivery suffered from weakening electoral mechanisms, suspended local autonomy, weakened civic participation and policy networks, insecure local administrators, worsened central-local trust, and the detrimental effect on local economies. However, there were opportunities for improved, or maintained, local service delivery through the lessening of administrative procedures, a fast-track mechanism for citizen complaints, stronger collaboration among local governments and with the private sector, local citizen initiatives, effective local leadership, and increasing trust between local governments and their constituents. In conclusion, national political crisis caused not only negative impacts, but also created opportunities for improving or maintaining local service delivery.