ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the surge of decentralization and forms of local government in Thailand, including several ongoing issues that follow the surge of decentralization. Decentralization, posted by the 1997 Constitution, has had significant impacts on local government in Thailand. Before decentralization started in 1994, several Thai scholars have argued that politics and administration in Thailand was too centralized. Decentralization in Thailand was very limited. Since 1973, Thai academics have been arguing in favor of decentralization. Scholars like David Morell and Chai-anan Samudavanija noted that decentralization was popular because it would allow people to participate in politics, especially elections. The new constitution promotes popular participation, and encourages a strong civil society and democratic decentralization as a means to stimulate local economies, strengthen local social fabrics, and promote good governance. One of the major goals of decentralization policy is to encourage public participation and to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
