Participation Public Policy: The Changing of Rural Contexts and a Proposed Public Policy on New Normal under The Coronavirus Disease 2019

Abstract

This article aimed (1) to study the Changing of Rural Contexts and a Proposed Public Policy on New Normal under the Coronavirus Disease; and (2) to develop public policy recommendations for solving problems and responding to the needs of communities as they need to adapt to the new way of life. This research was applied a mixed research method. Quantitative research the sample population was general people in Plai Chumphon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province, 380 people. The tools used to collect data were questionnaires.  Descriptive statistics were used: percentage, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation. In qualitative research, key informants are 10 public health workers. The data collection tools were interview forms and theoretical analysis. The results of the study revealed that the change in the community context in terms of living found that the number of respondents was more female than male. In the age range of 51-60 years, most of them are self-employed. The level of education is at elementary school level, Most of them live in their own homes. The average monthly income of the respondents was between 5,001 and 10,000 baht. They had behaviors to adapt to daily life at home, Adaptation to daily activities when out of the house, including adaptation to create personal hygiene to build immunity. And reduce the risk of viral infection at a very high level with an overall average of 4.07. And Public policy recommendations for solving problems and responding to the needs of communities who have to adapt on the basis of a new way of life under the economic situation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019. Policies to promote occupational skills and knowledge in service, trade and agriculture should be developed for all age groups of workers, including career and income promotion policies. In addition, social and health Plai Chumphon Muang should have a policy to promote knowledge and skills in using modern technology and a policy to promote health habits and culture in everyday life of the people.