Improvement of the Mission Roles of the Department of Local Administration Promotion

Abstract

     This academic article aims to study the improvement of the mission roles of the Department of Local Administration Promotion by examining relevant documents, including: 1) the manual on guidelines for dividing internal government departments of the Office of the Civil Service Commission, 2) the ministerial regulation on the division of departments within the Department of Local Administration Promotion (B.E. 2551), and 3) the explanatory notes on the division of departments within the Department of Local Administration Promotion. In the past, there have been issues and needs from many local government organizations regarding administration, along with an increasing workload from government policies, decentralization plans, and new laws, which have led to an increase in the department’s responsibilities—especially in promoting public health and managing the environment within local government organizations. Moreover, social, political, economic, and natural resource dynamics have posed various challenges for Thailand. Consequently, the Department of Local Administration Promotion needs to adapt its mission roles to keep up with changing circumstances.

     The findings indicate that the review and adjustment of the roles, missions, duties, powers, and structure of the Department of Local Administration Promotion focus more on promoting, supporting, and developing the management of local administrative organizations than on overseeing and supporting their governance. The department aims to facilitate the operations of local administrative organizations to be more agile and comprehensive across various dimensions, particularly in managing public services related to health and the environment. This is intended to respond effectively to the policy missions and local community needs. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of clarity and connectivity in operations, with the Department of Local Administration Promotion serving as a central authority for setting standards and guidelines that local administrative organizations can translate into tangible local practices. This aligns with the evolving roles and missions in accordance with the Cabinet resolution dated August 24, 2021.