The Budgetary Administration of Local Government: A case study of Nonthaburi City Municipality, Mueang Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

This study aimed to examine budget management, identify problems and obstacles, and explore possible solutions regarding budget management in Nonthaburi Municipality, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi Province. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilized both documentary research and field research. Data were collected through structured interviews with seven key informants, consisting of executives and personnel directly involved in budget management of the municipality. The findings revealed that budget management in Nonthaburi Municipality followed the four stages of the budgeting process: (1) budget formulation, (2) budget approval, (3) budget implementation, and (4) budget monitoring and evaluation. The major obstacles encountered included overlapping policies from the central government, complexity of rules and regulations, administrative issues such as land-use requests, limited and non-diverse channels for budget information disclosure, insufficient knowledge and number of personnel, and low levels of public participation due to the large population size. Suggested solutions include aligning central policies with local contexts, revising rules and regulations to be more flexible and less ambiguous, enhancing personnel capacity and increasing staffing, as well as expanding and diversifying public participation channels to ensure inclusiveness and accessibility.