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Thailand's Decentralization: Global Forces and Local Conditions

This paper explores the process of decentralization in Thailand, examining the global forces and local conditions that have influenced it. It discusses the history of centralization and the transition to decentralization in the country, as well as the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper also proposes strategies for effective decentralization in areas such as health, education, and economic development.

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Thailand's Decentralization: Global Forces and Local Conditions

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  1. Thailand’s Decentralization: Global Forces and Local Conditions Gayl D. Ness gaylness@aol.com Third International Conference On Local Government Khon Kaen Thailand, 15-16 November 2012

  2. Today the “Nation State” is the major form of political organization United Nations grouping of over 200 “Sovereign States” The result of 700 years of “Western” State Building Centralization of (Balanced) Power Administrative development (“The State Made War and War Made the State”) Facilitated and Spread to the world by European Imperialism Traditional SE Asian Empires Central Power weakens with distance from center Limited administrative specialization Colonial administrative apparatus builds the new state Extension of power to the boarder Extensive specialized administrative units

  3. Political Decentralization also begins in the West • The political transition from the divine right of kings to the divine right of the masses. (US 1776, 19th century Europe) • Administrative decentralization linked to “Free Market” ideas • * * * * • Modern Political Decentralization • World War II and the triumph of Democracy • Strengthened Anti-colonial independence movements • Even totalitarian states are “democracies” • Thai generals discover traditional Thai democracy. • Administrative centralization and decentralization • 1945-90 Soviet Model of strong state, state planning • World Bank promoted import substitution development. • 1970-90: Back to the free market • Asia Decentralizes: World Bank ideology: voice and efficiency/effectiveness

  4. Thailand Decentralizes New Legislation; central resistance. COLA research: good will and support for decentralization WHAT IS TO BE DONE? Health: effective central leadership Education: problems of exit and status Economic Development: development or gardening? HOW TO DECIDE WHAT IS TO BE DONE The AUICK Model Work shop and action plans Three examples Danang: storefront HIV/AIDS clinics Khon Kaen: supporting primary education Surabaya: silver college COLA WORKSHOPS: National Model to ask local administrators and leaders what is to be done.

  5. The COLA Approach Can help Thailand Determine What is to be done To promote greater popular voice and greater efficiency In its Decentralization

  6. Thank you for your attention

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