การปรับตัวขององค์กรปกครองส่วนท้องถิ่นเขตพื้นที่ชายแดนในรัฐประชาธิปไตย และรัฐสังคมนิยมต่อ ประชาคมเศรษฐกิจอาเซียน: กรณีศึกษา อำเภอเชียงของจังหวัดเชียงราย ประเทศไทย และ แขวงบ่อแก้ว สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนลาว

Abstract

This dissertation is on the adaptability of local governments in border areas of democratic state and socialist state to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The case studies include Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province, Thailand and Houy Xai district, Bo Kaew province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The purposes of the study were: (1) to examine approaches and factors affecting the adaptability of local governments in study areas to the AEC; (2) to analyze the problems and obstacles in adapting to the AEC and; (3) to suggest solutions to such problems and obstacles . The adaptability includes those in the political, economical and socio-cultural spheres of the local areas examined. Based on the qualitative approach, this research employs the methods of document analysis and interviews with the samples of local governments, entrepreneur and local people. The finding revealed that local governments in study areas of Thailand and Lao PDR apply different approach in adapting themselves politically, economically and socio-culturally to the AEC. Politically, the Thai local governments created new AEC policies for the government officials to put into practice. They also promoted democracy and public participation, and encouraged the leaders' adaptation. As for Laos, the local governments paid attention to the issues of establishing political stability, strengthing and consolidating the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, and developing and building capacity of the government officials. Economically, the Thai local governments have sought to educate the public about AEC, developed infrastructures, as well as promoted certain occupations and tourism. The Laos’s local governments, however, emphasized investment promotion from inside and outside the country. They also created economic hubs, developed infrastructure and improved labor skills. In the socio-cultural sphere, the Thai local governments developed human resources in accordance with the national development plan and provide information to people. They also sought to conserve local cultures and promote good relations with the neighboring countries. Similarly, the Laos’ local governments approached human resource development through education, sanitation and preservation of national culture. The factors that considerably affect the adaptability of Thai local governments were international relations, government policies, media, Thailand-Lao bilateral relations, visions of local government leaders, and knowledge and perception of the local government officials and community leaders. In the case of Laos, important factors are external situations, Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, political stability, media, community leaders and Lao people’s personality. Despite a number of plans and policies, the Thai local governments still confront some adaptability problems, namely the exceeding emphasis on basic information and the positive side of the AEC, limited availability of training and education (only for specific group), and the lack of public participation. Moreover, there also exists an obstacle concerning the society of Chiang Khong that is uncaring and lacking unity. Besides, the government of Chiang Khong are deprived of power, obliged to work along the national bureaucratic procedures, and affected by the poor relations between the local governments-local communities. In contrast, the Laos’ local governments face the lack of adequate information about the AEC, which should be provided by the national government. Such problem causes a number of difficulties in disseminating information including the inability of the community leaders to provide information to local people. Besides, there is also the lack of readiness in terms of basic infrastructure, education, and health care. The main obstacle above all is the centralization of power by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. Therefore, this study suggests that both of Thai and Laos’s governments should consider devolving more power to the local governments. They should provide comprehensive information about AEC, both in positive and negative lights that can be used as a road map for adaptation in every aspect. Community leaders should also play a role in improving the relations between local governments and the people. At the same time, the public should not rely on the government only, but should seek necessary information to create the adaptability plans of their own. Lastly, the local governments should ensure that good governance would take place within their own organization.