Public Participation in Local Development Planning of Ban Khong Subdistrict Municipality, U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

This study aims to examine (1) the factors influencing public participation in the formulation of local development plans in Ban Khong Subdistrict Municipality, U Thong District, Suphanburi Province; (2) the level of public participation in the formulation of local development plans; (3) differences in public participation based on personal demographic factors; and (4) the relationship between participation-related factors and public participation in local development planning. The research employed a quantitative methodology using questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 380 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

          The findings revealed that the overall level of factors influencing public participation was high, as was the overall level of actual participation. Public participation in the preparation of local development plans was also high overall.There were no statistically significant differences in participation levels based on gender, age, or monthly income. However, significant differences at the 0.05 level were observed in relation to education level, marital status, and occupation. Additionally, participation-related factors—specifically attitudes, perceived benefits, knowledge and understanding, and communication and public relations—were found to have a strong positive correlation with public participation in the formulation of local development plans, with statistical significance at the 0.01 level.