DEVELOPING THE CAPACITY OF PUBLIC SECTOR PERSONNEL IN THAILAND’S SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES IN THE MODERN ERA: CONCEPTS AND MODELS FOR MULTICULTURAL SOCIAL GOVERNANCE

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) Examine the needs, constraints, and essential competencies of public sector personnel working in Thailand’s southern border provinces within a multicultural social context; and 2) Explore appropriate approaches for developing cultural skills, strengthening state-community relations, and promoting public participation in ways that are consistent with the local context of the southern border area. This region is characterized by religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity, as well as distinctive historical and social conditions that significantly influence the practices and performance of public sector personnel. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and a needs assessment involving 30 key stakeholders, including government officials, local leaders, and religious leaders from Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. The data provided in-depth insights into work experiences, challenges, constraints, and expectations regarding the capacity development of public sector personnel operating in multicultural settings. The findings propose the 3C Model (Competence-Connection-Co-Creation) as a framework for enhancing the capacity of public sector personnel. The model consists of three key components: 1) Cultural competence, which emphasizes the development of knowledge, understanding, and respect for cultural diversity; 2) Connection, focusing on building relationships and trust between the state and local communities through culturally sensitive communication; and 3) Co-creation, which promotes collaborative engagement between public institutions and communities in designing policies and activities that are appropriate to the local context. The study highlights that capacity development for public sector personnel should shift from a purely technical training approach toward experiential learning and community-based learning, in order to enhance cultural awareness and support more effective and sustainable public service practices in the culturally diverse southern border provinces of Thailand.