Participatory Budgeting: A Case Study of Provincial Administrative Organization

Darunee Pumkaew, Banjerd Singkaneti

doi:10.17762/pae.v58i1.910

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to study the budgeting process of the Provincial Administrative Organizations in Thailand and to examine the limits to public participation in the budgeting process. Furthermore, the paper offers recommendations on how to increase for public participation in the budgeting process. The study uses qualitative methods, studying documents related to budgeting process such as laws and regulations, in addition to using in-depth interviews with administrators and staff at Provincial Administrative Organizations. The research shows that the budgeting process of Provincial Administrative Organizations limits public participation. Participation is limited to local development plan making, which only acts as a guideline, and is nonbinding. The final decision makers the annual budgets are the administrators of the provincial administrative organizations and the provincial administrative organizations council. Therefore, to reduce the limits to public participation in budgetary decisions, the paper recommends that the central government enacts legislation that creates mechanisms that allows people to participate in budget allocation decisions. In this regard, the nature or type of operation may that a form suitable to each area. Examples include direct decisions about public matters or political issues or in the form of a third-party intermediary intermediation.

Highlights

Limited resources can be optimized to make the policymaking process more efficient
Second is budgeting of Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) composed of drafting the provisions of annual expenditure budget, budget approval and announcement respectively
In Thailand, the public can participate in the budgeting process, but only by formulating local development plans

Summary

Introduction

Limited resources can be optimized to make the policymaking process more efficient. Budgets are a vital component for effective resource allocation and utilization that requires public participation. Constituents are key stakeholders, often better informed about what crucial and needed. Their engagement in the decision-making process can maximize their benefits. Studies suggest that the scarcity of financial resources is closely aligned with the lack of people’s participation in budgeting process. According to Justice and Dülger[1], people rarely play a role in the state’s budgeting procedures

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion