FACTORS AFFECTING PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PREPARATION : PEOPLE IN TAB TAO SUBDISTRICT, THOENG DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI PROVINCE

Abstract

        This study aimed to   1) examine the level of public participation in the preparation of local development plans of the Tab Tao Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Thoeng District, Chiang Rai Province; and 2) investigate the factors influencing such participation.      Local development planning plays a vital role in guiding local administrative organizations toward desirable community outcomes. It serves as a strategic framework that directs developmental efforts, fosters adaptability to change, and promotes sustainable progress within the community.  The study employed a quantitative research design, adopting the concept of public participation as its theoretical framework. The population comprised 15,302 residents of Tab Tao Subdistrict, from which a sample of 390 participants was drawn through simple random sampling, with the sample size determined using Yamane’s formula (Yamane, 1973). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that the overall level of public participation in local development planning was moderate (x̄ = 3.28, SD = 0.74). Among the four dimensions of participation, participation in receiving benefits obtained the highest mean score, indicating a high level of involvement (x̄ = 3.56, SD = 0.82). Results from multiple regression analysis further showed that supportive factors and pull factors had a significant positive influence on public participation in local development planning within the Tab Tao Subdistrict Administrative Organization. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights for local administrative organizations. The findings can serve as a practical guideline for fostering and enhancing citizen engagement in the formulation of local development plans. Strengthening such participatory mechanisms will contribute to more effective planning processes that truly reflect and respond to the needs of local residents.