The impact of local politics on sustainable development in Thailand.

Abstract

Local politics play a crucial role in sustainable development in Thailand, as political decisions made at the local level have a direct impact on economic, social, and environmental development. Local politics in Thailand is significant in terms of local development planning, particularly in decisions related to the use of natural resources, infrastructure development, and promoting activities that can provide long-term benefits to communities. However, local politics can also lead to issues that may affect sustainable development, such as the misuse of political power for personal gain or decisions that do not align with the real needs of the community. This can result in unequal access to resources, unequal development, and environmental degradation in some cases. A key factor impacting sustainable development is public participation in the local political decision-making process. Providing opportunities for citizens to engage in the development process, offer opinions, and monitor the progress of implementation is essential in enhancing efficiency and transparency in operations. Sustainable development relies on the involvement of all sectors, whether public, private, or civil society, to jointly address problems and promote sustainability at the local level. Problems arising from local politics include the lack of coordination between relevant agencies or the absence of accurate data for decision-making, which can hinder the full progress of sustainable development. Therefore, raising awareness about sustainable development and enhancing the decision-making capacity of local authorities is crucial in fostering sustainable development in Thailand.