Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva speaks at a conference co-hosted by UNDP Thailand, commemorating 10 years of the Decentralization Act (1999). The Conference “The Progress of the Decentralization Process in Thailand” focuses on the achievements in decentralization over the past decade, future issues and challenges.

A Decade of Decentralization: Much achieved, much more to do, says new UNDP report

16 December 2009 - The United Nations Development Programme Thailand has today released a report which analyses the progress made since the implementation of the Decentralization Act (1999) ten years ago and makes recommendations on what future steps need to be taken to consolidate this decade of reform.

The report’s release has formed part of a major conference on A Decade of Decentralization being hosted by UNDP and attended by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Minister for the Interior Mr. Chawarat Charnveerakul, and other key governance stakeholders.

“Progress of Decentralization Process of Thailand and its Recommendations” finds that the Decentralization Act (1999) has had many positive developments for local governments, making them more accountable and more efficient in delivering public services.

It also notes that the reforms have resulted in greater public participation in the political process, bringing elected public office holders closer to and more responsive to local communities.

The report outlines continuing challenges for the implementation of the Decentralization Act, making six recommendations.

These include:

• Improving the Local Administrative Structure – For larger administrations, it means improving their effectiveness at keeping local executives to account. For smaller structures, it means building the capacity and knowledge base of public officials. Most importantly, any changes must reflect democratic measures and enhance local participation.

• Devolve More Functions to Local Administrations - Improvements in the devolution process should be aimed at extending functions and responsibilities to the local level. However, careful consideration needs to be made in clarifying the responsibilities of these functions. It is also essential that local administrations have a sense of ownership of these newly devolved functions.

• Increase Local Income and Fiscal Decentralization – Local Administrations should be allowed to levy their own taxes, widening their fiscal base. However, this should only be done if more support is provided to increase the number of capable personnel to manage local budgets.

• Reform the Local Personnel Management System – There has been a great improvement in the management of local personnel in the decade of decentralization. This should continue by ensuring that local personnel management is based on the merit system and standardization.

• Expand Opportunities for Local Participation - Participation should be increased through the expansion of opportunities and mechanisms for participation. Most importantly, there is an urgent need to create political awareness among the population.

• Change the Approach to Monitoring Local Administrations - The monitoring process needs to be developed on many levels, including greater local participation in monitoring activities, a reduction in overlap in the monitoring process, and an improvement in the capacity of the personnel involved in monitoring activities.

The report’s recommendations include short-term (2-3 years), medium term (3-7 years), and long-term (7-10 years) targets.

“This timely report shows how far Thailand has come since the promulgation of the Decentralization Act a decade ago,” says Yuxue Xue, Acting Resident Representative for UNDP Thailand.

“It also maps out a path for the next ten years, which if followed should ensure the decentralization process is consolidated, improved, and made more efficient.”

“UNDP stands ready to support the Royal Thai Government in its endeavors in this important area of national reform, particularly in ensuring greater public participation in local government processes.”


Read “Executive Summary: Improving the Local Administrative Structure, Progress of Decentralization Process of Thailand and its Recommendations ”
______________________________________