Interdisciplinary Journal of Administration and Business

Public Policy Management in Crisis: Lessons from Thailand’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Orlathay Chitanon — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article examines public policy management during crises through a case study of Thailand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyzes lessons learned and approaches to policy management in emergency situations from the perspectives of politicians and public administrators. The study employs qualitative analysis of government policies, implementation efforts by relevant agencies, and the role of civil society. Findings highlight the establishment of the COVID-19 Situation Administration Center (CCSA) as a key mechanism that enabled systematic and responsive crisis management. Collaboration between government sectors, private enterprises, and civil society significantly enhanced the effectiveness of disease control measures. Clear and transparent communication played a crucial role in building public trust and cooperation. However, challenges remain, including delays in procuring medical supplies, uneven communication strategies, and economic impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as informal workers and low-income populations. These issues underscore the importance of data and information technology in supporting decision-making, managing stakeholder relationships, and fostering social trust. The article recommends developing comprehensive preparedness and response systems, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, promoting public participation, and implementing long-term planning with inclusive social welfare systems. These strategies aim to enhance resilience and effectiveness in managing future crises sustainably.

The impact of the labor welfare system on the quality of life of informal workers in Thailand

Parin Radpumrung — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to analyze the impacts of labor welfare systems on the quality of life of informal workers in Thailand, using a critical perspective grounded in socialist labor theory that emphasizes fairness and the rights of informal workers. The study provides an overview of the informal labor context in Thailand, existing labor welfare systems, their effects on various dimensions of quality of life, and recommendations for appropriate and sustainable policy development. Informal workers in Thailand continue to face vulnerability and inequality, particularly due to their lack of legal status and limited access to welfare systems (Phan & Somchai, 2019). Current labor welfare systems primarily focus on formal sector workers, leaving informal workers at higher risk of health problems, income insecurity, and psychological stress, which directly impacts their quality of life. Findings reveal that informal workers with access to welfare programs, such as Social Security Section 40 and Universal Health Coverage, exhibit better health outcomes, income stability, and life satisfaction. However, structural barriers—such as legal restrictions, lack of information, and discrimination—prevent many informal workers from receiving adequate protection. The article recommends expanding the coverage of labor welfare systems, promoting the participation of informal workers in policymaking, and strengthening cooperation among government, private sector, and civil society. These measures are essential to improve the quality of life for informal workers and reduce social inequality in Thailand.

Adaptation Strategies of Thai SMEs in the Digital Economy Era

Ponkanok Sriprasern — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to investigate the adaptation strategies employed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand amid the digital economy era. Grounded in a neoliberal economic framework emphasizing the role of market mechanisms and competition as key drivers of development, this qualitative study analyzes case studies and relevant literature on the adoption of digital technologies in business operations. Findings reveal that Thai SMEs utilize digital technologies such as e-commerce platforms, social media, and data management systems as primary strategies to enhance efficiency and expand market reach. Moreover, innovation development and digital marketing emerge as critical factors enabling SMEs to differentiate themselves and respond rapidly and effectively to customer demands. The enhancement of skills and training for personnel is also essential for sustaining competitiveness in the long term. Case study analyses highlight key enabling factors for SME adaptation, including government support, access to financing, and the establishment of business networks. Nevertheless, SMEs face challenges related to technological knowledge, financial constraints, and disparities in infrastructure access, especially in rural areas.

Decentralization of Education Policy and Educational Inequality in Thailand

Ponpum Krakang — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Decentralization in education is considered one of the key policies implemented to improve and develop Thailand’s education system. The main objective of this policy is to enhance the efficiency of educational management at the local level and reduce educational disparities between regions. This policy aims to provide local authorities with more power in managing education by granting them decision-making authority regarding resource allocation, budgeting, and school management, which enables them to respond more effectively to the needs of their communities.The impact of educational decentralization on educational inequality in Thailand is analyzed by examining both the positive and negative effects of this policy. The advantages of decentralizing education include empowering local authorities to make decisions and improve educational management in accordance with the specific needs of their area. Decentralization also allows for greater community involvement in local education decisions, fostering a sense of ownership and enhancing cooperation from the community.

However, there are limitations to educational decentralization that contribute to continuing educational inequality, particularly concerning the unequal distribution of resources. This discrepancy leads to some areas having greater access to educational resources and opportunities than others. Additionally, the lack of skilled personnel to manage education in certain areas presents a significant obstacle to progress. Decentralization also results in disparities in education quality between regions, depending on the management capabilities of local administrative bodies (local government organizations, or APT), which vary in their ability to administer education effectively. Thus, there is a need to propose measures to improve the educational decentralization policy to better reduce educational inequality. Suggestions include revising the process of budget allocation to make it more equitable and aligned with the needs of different localities. Furthermore, improving the capacity of local education personnel to effectively manage education is crucial. Encouraging collaboration between the government, local authorities, and civil society in developing and evaluating policies is also important. Integrating cooperation from all sectors will strengthen the education system, ensuring that it is equitable and can truly meet the needs of all population groups.