Thai Public Organizations and the New Public Service Model

Abstract

There were two purposes behind the present research project: 1) to determine if the structural contingency model fits with the new Public Service model (PSM) for Thai public organizations, and, 2) to propose recommendations for the new management structure (NMS) which, in the opinion of the authors, would complement the theory and concepts which underlie the new Public Management model. Qualitative research methods were used to collect and analyze the data, including critical informant interviews and the examination of a number of relevant documents. The findings revealed that the basic structure of Thai public organizations are compatible with the NPS concept. Decentralization is one of the key proposals and should fit well in the context of public administration and management in Thailand. The author’s  recommendations for the decentralization of management are three: 1) in devolving authority to local authorities it will be important to set forth the policy and regulation functions of the upper structure and the implementation functions of the lower structures; 2) assist in the creation of networks involving people, civil society and the private sector for the purpose of engaging all of them to be participants in decision making and collaboration; and 3) defining the degree of decentralization based on the nature of the national mission and the needs of each of the regions.