Development of Policy Proposals for Economic, Social, and Environmental Development in Thailand: A Case Study of the Provincial Economic  Development Zone in Maha Sarakham

Ntapat Worapongpat; Parichat Atthakor; Kulrisa  Khamsing; Warit  Rasri; Anucha  Bhalakula

Authors

Ntapat Worapongpat Eastern Institute of Technology Suvarnabhumi (EIT), Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3071-5249
Parichat Atthakor Maha Sarakham Rajabhat University, Thailand
Kulrisa Khamsing Maha Sarakham Rajabhat University, Thailand
Warit Rasri Maha Sarakham Rajabhat University, Thailand
Anucha Bhalakula Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phetchaburi Buddhist College, Thailand

Keywords:

Policy, Development, Economic, Social, Environmental

Abstract

This article examines the spatial development process of Maha Sarakham Province through the analysis of policy integration, spatial governance, and the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of provincial development. The article argues that the development of provincial economic development zones in Maha Sarakham can be sustained effectively only through collaborative governance mechanisms that integrate universities, public agencies, local communities, and place-based development strategies within the context of a knowledge-based economy.The analysis demonstrates that Maha Sarakham has evolved into an “Education City” that functions as a regional hub for human capital, knowledge production, and service-sector expansion. In the policy dimension, provincial development has increasingly emphasized integrated area-based governance and cross-sector collaboration. In the economic dimension, the concentration of educational institutions has stimulated service industries, creative economies, local enterprises, and OTOP-related activities. In the social dimension, cooperation among universities, government agencies, and community networks has strengthened community participation, local capacity-building, and knowledge transfer processes. In the environmental dimension, spatial development initiatives have promoted sustainable agricultural practices, cultural tourism, and greater awareness of resource management at the local level. Nevertheless, the analysis also identifies several structural constraints, including fragmented coordination mechanisms, budget limitations, uneven spatial development, and the continued dependence of the provincial economy on the student population and public-sector activities. These conditions indicate the need for a more adaptive and collaborative provincial governance model capable of balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The article contributes to the literature on area-based development and provincial economic governance by proposing a contextualized framework for knowledge-based provincial development in Thailand.

Author Biography

Ntapat Worapongpat, Eastern Institute of Technology Suvarnabhumi (EIT), Thailand

นนทบุรี

References

Adanma, U. M., & Ogunbiyi, E. O. (2024). A comparative review of global environmental policies for promoting sustainable development and economic growth. International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences, 6(5), 954–977.

Basheer, M., Nechifor, V., Calzadilla, A., Ringler, C., Hulme, D., & Harou, J. J. (2022). Balancing national economic policy outcomes for sustainable development. Nature Communications, 13(1), 5041.

Basiago, A. D. (1998). Economic, social, and environmental sustainability in development theory and urban planning practice. Environmentalist, 19(2), 145–161.

Burbridge, P., Hendrick, V., Roth, E., & Rosenthal, H. (2001). Social and economic policy issues relevant to marine aquaculture. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 17(4), 194–206.

Gale, R. J. (1992). Environment and economy: The policy models of development. Environment and Behavior, 24(6), 723–737.

Gallego, I. (2006). The use of economic, social and environmental indicators as a measure of sustainable development in Spain. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 13(2), 78–97.

Hariram, N. P., Mekha, K. B., Suganthan, V., & Sudhakar, K. (2023). Sustainalism: An integrated socio-economic-environmental model to address sustainable development and sustainability. Sustainability, 15(13), 10682.

Hezri, A. A., & Nordin Hasan, M. (2006). Towards sustainable development? The evolution of environmental policy in Malaysia. Natural Resources Forum, 30(1), 37–50.

Islam, H. (2025). Nexus of economic, social, and environmental factors on sustainable development goals: The moderating role of technological advancement and green innovation. Innovation and Green Development, 4(1), 100183.

Jie, H., Khan, I., Alharthi, M., Zafar, M. W., & Saeed, A. (2023). Sustainable energy policy, socio-economic development, and ecological footprint: The economic significance of natural resources, population growth, and industrial development. Utilities Policy, 81, 101490.

Maha Sarakham Provincial Office. (2023). Maha Sarakham Provincial Development Plan 2023–2027. Strategy and Development Information Group.

Maha Sarakham Provincial Statistical Office. (2023). Maha Sarakham Provincial Statistical Report. Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

Mahasarakham University. (2022). Report on the Economic and Social Situation of Maha Sarakham Province. Maha Sarakham: Research and Development Institute.

Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion. (2023). SME Situation Report of Maha Sarakham Province 2022.

Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. (2022). The Thirteenth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027). Office of the Prime Minister.

Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. (2018). The 20-Year National Strategy (2018–2037). Office of the Prime Minister.

Panayotou, T. (1993). Empirical tests and policy analysis of environmental degradation at different stages of economic development (Working Paper WP238). International Labour Office.

Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development. (2022). Area-Based Development and Innovation Policy in Thailand.

Runhaar, H., Dieperink, C., & Driessen, P. (2006). Policy analysis for sustainable development: The toolbox for the environmental social scientist. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 7(1), 34–56.

Singh, A. K., Jyoti, B., Kumar, S., & Lenka, S. K. (2021). Assessment of global sustainable development, environmental sustainability, economic development and social development index in selected economies. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 16(1), 123–138.

Stern, N. (2015). Economic development, climate and values: Making policy. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 282(1812), 20150820.

Strezov, V., Evans, A., & Evans, T. J. (2017). Assessment of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of the indicators for sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 25(3), 242–253.

Sun, Y., & Cui, Y. (2018). Evaluating the coordinated development of economic, social and environmental benefits of urban public transportation infrastructure: Case study of four Chinese autonomous municipalities. Transport Policy, 66, 116–126.

Vetterlein, A. (2007). Economic growth, poverty reduction, and the role of social policies: The evolution of the World Bank's social development approach. Global Governance, 13, 513–528.

Worapongpat, N. (2025a). The application of the BCG model and competitive strategies to achieve sustainable development goals in the health and beauty supplement OEM industry in Samut Sakhon Province. Wisdom Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(12), 39–54.

Worapongpat, N. (2025b). The desired leadership qualities of administrators influencing the development of a learning innovation organization for the development of local personnel in Mueang District, Mahasarakham Province. Journal of Political Science and Public Administration, Kasetsart University, 3(1), 1–32.

Worapongpat, N. (2025c). The role of leadership based on the ESG framework in influencing the performance efficiency of local employees: A case study of Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. Journal of Public and Private Issues, 2(3), 147–158.

Worapongpat, N. (2025d). Guidelines for Public Service Development through One-Stop Services toward Digital Local Government. Nakhon Ratchasima Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(6), 77–103.

Worapongpat, N. (2025e). The Influence of Artificial Intelligence Technology Utilization and Personnel’s Knowledge and Competency in AI Applications on Work Performance in Local Administrative Organizations: A Case Study of Maha Sarakham Province. Nakhon Ratchasima Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(5), 72–93.

Worapongpat, N. (2026a). Consumer attitudes and behaviors influencing perceived benefits of “Tosakan Nakas” herbal balm: A case study of SCG Grand Martech Co., Ltd. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Innovation, 3(1), 16–30.

Worapongpat, N. (2026c). Developing creative leadership among local administrators for smart locality advancement in Maha Sarakham Province. Local Administration Journal, 19(1), 43–58.

Worapongpat, N. (2026d). Situational leadership of entrepreneurs influencing ESG and safety management: Employee perspectives in the health, beauty, and supplement manufacturing sector. Community and Social Development Journal, 27(1), 72–83.