Developing Strategies to Enhance Citizen Participation in Local Governance through Digital Technologies under the Framework of Collaborative Governance

Abstract

This article aims to study and analyze approaches to promoting public participation in the local government administration of Thailand within the context of a digital society. It applies a collaborative participatory management framework as the main analytical framework through a documentary study, relying on a review of both domestic and international literature, including empirical research, laws, public policies, and related academic documents. The study finds that the Thai government has policies supporting decentralization and opening opportunities for public participation in local governance. However, participation in the digital age still faces several limitations, including disparities in access to information technology, a lack of effective cooperation mechanisms among sectors, and the discontinuity of participation in public policy-making processes. This article proposes three policy development approaches: 1) establishing a collaborative structure among local government organizations, civil society, and the private sector based on a collaborative participatory management approach; 2) developing effective, transparent, and user-friendly digital platforms at the local level; and 3) enhancing digital and civic competencies among citizens to promote sustainable participation.