Ready or Not? Conditions for Readiness of Sukhothai Province to Become a Self-Governing Province

บทคัดย่อ

             The independent study titled “Ready or Not? Preconditions for Sukhothai Province’s Readiness for Self-Governance” aims to examine the extent to which Sukhothai Province is prepared to establish itself as a self-governing administrative unit. The primary objective is to analyze the essential and sufficient preconditions for achieving self-governance at the provincial level. This is accomplished by comparing the current situation in Sukhothai with that of a “best-case” province—one that has already demonstrated a successful transition toward self-administration. The research employs documentary research as its main methodology, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources including books, academic articles, theses, research reports, television programs, video documentaries, and other relevant documents. These sources cover both domestic and international cases related to decentralization and the formation of self-governing provinces. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the contextual factors, structural requirements, and policy implications necessary for provincial autonomy.

            Findings from the study indicate that the preconditions for becoming a self-governing province can be categorized into two types: necessary conditions and sufficient conditions. The necessary conditions consist of three main elements: (1) a governance structure or administrative framework that supports the decentralization of authority from the central government to local entities; (2) appropriate budget allocation from the central government, along with financial support for local administrative organizations; and (3) an independent system of personnel administration that operates free from central government control. The sufficient conditions also consist of three factors: (1) a relatively dense population with urban characteristics and active civic participation in local governance; (2) the availability of natural, economic, or cultural resources that can support economic growth and promote tourism; and (3) adequate provincial revenue, a sound economic structure, and the presence of well-developed infrastructure and public utilities. This study not only offers a detailed assessment of Sukhothai’s readiness for self-governance but also provides a framework that can inform policymaking in the area of decentralization. It highlights both the progress and the gaps that need to be addressed in order for Sukhothai Province to fully realize the potential of autonomous administration. Ultimately, the findings may serve as a guide for government agencies and stakeholders seeking to promote effective and sustainable local governance in Thailand.