The Role of Citizens in Community Planning Case Study of Bak Village, Bak Sub-district, Si Somdet District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the role of citizens in community planning and 2) study ways to improve the effectiveness of community planning. The research is qualitative in Bak village, Bak sub-district, Sri Somdet district, Roi Et province. Six groups of informants, totaling 18 people, were selected using purposive sampling. The research instrument was in-depth interviews. Data collected from literature review and interviews were then analyzed using content analysis.

            The research findings on the role of citizens in developing community plans in Bak village revealed that : A good management system is in place from the community preparation stage, the community planning forum stage, the community data analysis stage, and the follow-up stage. Citizens play a role in reflecting their own problems or needs. There is collaborative thinking, sharing opinions, and joint analysis in developing the community plan. And joint monitoring and evaluation of the results, thus making the community plan effective. Regarding approaches to improving community planning in Bak village, the findings indicated that in the community preparation stage, the community planning forum stage, the community data analysis stage, and the follow-up stage, leaders or officials from government agencies should invite speakers to give lectures to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the citizens.