POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN SOLVING THE CITIZEN’S PROBLEMS IN THEIR DISTRICT BY THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN SAKON NAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

This research about the elected members of parliament from Sakon Nakhon province and their constituents intended to study: 1) The status of citizens’ difficulties in communicating their needs and problems; 2) The communication process; 3) Methods used to communicate work results; and 4) Approaches for developing better communications. This was qualitative research based on structured interviews with a total of 45 key informants from 5 different groups. Data were analyzed deductively. The findings showed that 1) There were several effective channels for communication because the MPs went to meet with their constituents frequently and also kept in touch closely through LINE application groups, so they were aware of citizen concerns. 2) The communication process followed Berlo’s SMCR concept: 2.1) Both MPs and citizens interchanged roles as message senders and message receivers; 2.2) There were 6 main subjects in the message content-infrastructure, economics, water sources, public health, social issues, and natural resources/environment; and 2.3) Communication channels comprised the preliminary level of core leaders, petitions, and community leaders and the secondary level of the MPs communicating the citizens’ concerns to parliament by proposing a debate, drafting an act of law or bylaw, submitting a petition, or moving for an investigation. 3) The methods MPs used to communicate work results were: 3.1) Personal media; and 3.2) Print media, the public address system and local radio. and 4) Approaches for development include: 4.1) Honing the communication skills and public presentation of team members and supporters and utilizing more modern digital technology; and 4.2) Using a network building strategy, forging strong relationships, organizing activities, and building awareness, all of which need to be planned and evaluated consistently.