Guidelines for Developing the Planning and Coordination Process of Area-Based Integrated Development Plans of the Subdistrict Administrative Committee in Huai Ngu Subdistrict, Hankha District, Chai Nat Province

Abstract

         The objectives of this research were: 1) to examine the process of plan formulation and coordination at the local level of the Integrated Subdistrict Administrative Committee in Huai Ngu Subdistrict, Hankha District, Chainat Province; and 2) to explore guidelines for developing the local-level planning and coordination process. A qualitative research approach was employed. The sample consisted of 18 key informants selected through purposive sampling, including one district officer responsible for the subdistrict, one chief executive of the local administrative organization, three appointed civil servants, eleven village heads, and two appointed experts. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, with instruments used for data collection in this study consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The instruments were reviewed by experts to examine item-level content validity, yielding an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) of 1.00. Data were analyzed using content analysis based on information obtained from observations and interviews.  The  analysis  involved  data verification, categorization, synthesis, and contextual interpretation to address the research objectives of examining the planning process and synthesizing guidelines for developing and coordinating local-level development planning in accordance with the social context and the administrative structure of the subdistrict. The research results found that:

        1) The planning and coordination process in Huai Ngu Subdistrict is systematic, beginning with the collection of basic data and plans at all levels, followed by analysis and prioritization of projects, and integration with local and district-level plans in accordance with relevant regulations and the “One Plan” approach.

        2) The appropriate development guidelines should focus on enhancing the capacity of personnel and committees, developing a subdistrict database, promoting public participation, integrating plans across all levels, and establishing a systematic monitoring and evaluation mechanism to improve sustainable local development, and planning and coordination process should be upgraded from passive participation to proactive participation, supported by up-to-date data and strong structural linkages, in order to effectively drive integrated area-based development in line with the principles of good governance and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.