PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WORKING OF POLICE ADMINISTRATION INSPECTION AND MONITORING COMMITTEE (PAI) OF POLICE STATIONS, SA KAEO PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: (1) analyze the factors influencing public participation in the operations of the Police Administration Monitoring and Inspection Committees (PMC) of police stations in Sa Kaeo Province; (2) examine the current problems and obstacles affecting public participation in the work of the PMC; and (3) propose recommendations to enhance community engagement in the functioning of the PMC in Sa Kaeo Province. This qualitative research employed purposive sampling to select 26 key informants, consisting of: (1) five police officers; (2) six PMC members; (3) two scholars and experts; and (4) ten general citizens. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary research instrument, and the data were analyzed through inductive reasoning and presented in descriptive form.

The findings reveal that: (1) public participation is affected by limited public understanding of the PMC’s roles and mandates, mixed attitudes involving expectations and distrust, conventional participation channels that remain unchanged, insufficient state support and coordination, difficulties in accessing information, and socio-cultural norms emphasizing hierarchy and conflict avoidance; (2) major obstacles to public engagement include the lack of knowledge concerning PMC responsibilities, ineffective communication channels, low confidence in PMC neutrality, inconsistent participation, cultural constraints on public expression, and limited resources and governmental support; and (3) strategies for strengthening participation include organizing community forums and disseminating information regarding PMC responsibilities, expanding participatory channels, enhancing communication skills among police personnel, promoting public trust through transparency, and building collaborative networks to support sustained civic engagement.