Guidelines to Improve Public Service Administration for Thailand Reform: Reflections from the Northeast

Abstract

This research is based on a synthesis from a reconciliation forum for the country’s reform in Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand. The purpose of the study is to identify conflicts and development issues in the area; investigate the need for reform in various sectors at both local and national levels, and explore alternatives or guidelines to improve public service administration for the country's reform. Data was collected using qualitative research tools including focus group, dialogue, and open-ended questionnaires. The target groups consisting of 3,200 people who is living in Khon Kaen province and other 204 professionals consisting of 61 representatives from the government sector, 39 from the private sector, 33 from education sector, 22 from in the political sector and 49 from civil society sector.  The results revealed that in order to diminish conflicts, reconciliation must occur at both the community and the national level. In addition, many aspects of public service administration and public policy must also be reformed; especially those involved in politics and political institutions, ethical standards of politicians and government officials, Criminal Justice System and administration, systematic corruption, education system, economic structure and income distribution; information and data management, as well as other issues stem from inequality in the society.