Characteristics of local leaders in Na Pho Phatthana Subdistrict Municipality, Sawi District, Chumphon Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: 1. to study the leadership dynamics of the Na Pho Phatthana Subdistrict Municipality in Sawi District, Chumphon Province, and 2. to propose the characteristics of local leaders appropriate for solving problems related to infrastructure, economic development, education, religion, culture and recreation, natural resources and the environment, social well-being and quality of life, as well as politics and administration in Na Pho Phatthana Subdistrict Municipality, Sawi District, Chumphon Province. This research employed a qualitative approach. The research instrument was an interview form administered to 17 key informants, including community leaders, school directors, experienced teachers, and business entrepreneurs. The sample group was selected purposively, and data were analyzed through synthesis, interpretation, and extraction of key conclusions. The findings revealed that: 1. the major problems included 1.1 incomplete infrastructure and public utilities; 1.2 economic development that was not aligned with the local context; 1.3 discontinuity in educational, religious, cultural, and recreational activities; 1.4 weak enforcement of natural resource and environmental management; 1.5 social and quality of life issues such as unemployment and shortage of medical personnel and equipment for vulnerable groups; and 1.6 political and administrative limitations, particularly insufficient participation and lack of appropriate skills among municipal personnel. 2. The desirable characteristics of local leaders for problem-solving included: 2.1 conducting field surveys to collect data for improving infrastructure; 2.2 providing training and skill development to promote occupations and encouraging OTOP product development; 2.3 utilizing public communication, such as community broadcasting, to promote recreational and cultural activities on a continuous basis in accordance with annual festivals; 2.4 enforcing laws strictly regarding logging, waste management, and industrial pollution control; 2.5 allocating medical personnel and equipment for vulnerable groups, as well as establishing comprehensive public safety systems; and 2.6 serving as role models by fostering political participation, ensuring transparency, and allocating personnel in accordance with their knowledge and abilities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in municipal administration.