The Citizen Participation in Local Legislative Ordinance Initiative A Case Study of Nongwang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Roi-Et Province

Abstract

This research focuses on promoting public participation in proposing local ordinances under the Initiative of Local Ordinances Act, B.E. 2565 (2022), using the Nongwang Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Roi-Et Province as a case study. The objectives are to facilitate the creation of a draft local ordinance that reflects the actual will of the people and to develop a model for public participation in local legislative initiatives. The study employs Participatory Action Research (PAR), collecting data through in-depth interviews, workshops, and lesson-learned sessions with various stakeholders. The findings reveal that the initiative process significantly strengthened community participation in Nongwang’s community. The process began with brainstorming sessions that transformed local concerns—particularly regarding natural resources and the environment—into a legal framework. This resulted in the (draft) Ordinance of Nongwang on Natural Resource and Environmental Management. Key components of the ordinance include the establishment of participation mechanisms at both village and subdistrict levels, the creation of a dedicated fund, and the definition of operational guidelines to restore ecological balance while supporting the community's traditional way of life. Furthermore, the study highlights that the Local Initiative Act B.E. 2565 effectively removed previous legal barriers, such as excessive signature requirements, thereby empowering citizens to exercise their rights in governing their own communities. The Nongwang case study serves as a successful model for citizen-led local legislation that can be adapted and applied by other local government organizations across Thailand.