POLICY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL CITY OF THE MIDDLE NORTHEASTERN REGION

Abstract

This research aims to 1) Study the development policy of the central city of the central northeastern region; 2) Study the factors affecting the development of the central city of the central northeastern region; and 3) Propose a development plan for the central city of the central northeastern region. The study focuses on Khon Kaen Province, the center of the Central Northeastern region. This qualitative research collected data through in-depth interviews with 24 key informants, document analysis, and relevant policies. The findings reveal that: 1) The central city development policy emphasizes creating livable and modern cities under the Smart City concept, emphasizing economic, social, and environmental development; 2) Key factors influencing the development of central cities include infrastructure, economics, society, and politics, particularly Khon Kaen Province's role as a center for education, transportation, and investment, such as the Green Industrial Estate project; and 3) The researcher's proposed development plan comprises three main aspects: 1) Strengthening personnel, tools, and necessary resources; 2) Integrating various sectors, including the public, private, and public sectors, to drive development; and 3) Flexible planning to accommodate future contextual changes. To achieve sustainable and competitive urban development at the regional and national levels, the researcher has also proposed the “PIYANUCH Model” as a mechanism to drive urban development, emphasizing 1) Participation of all sectors, 2) The use of innovation, 3) Value-added economic development, 4) Flexibility, 5) Physical connectivity, 6) Economic, social and environmental balance, 7) promotion of creative industries, and 8) Linking the operations of the public, private, and public sectors.