New role of Sub-district Administrative Organization to Local Community Development in Thailand

Abstract

Main objective of Sub-district administrative organization (Ao.Bo.To.) establishment is to decentralize authority and delegate responsibilities from central government to local government unit through local people s participation. Ao.Bo.To. is local organization that local people can participate in decision making process pertaining to analyze community problems and needs; define and finalize proper solution. Special characteristic of Ao.Bo.To. is official local government unit that it can freely self-manage its organization. Members of Ao.Bo.To. form the Ao.Bo.To. committee. The committee takes responsibilities to arrange and implement community development plan and action plan and also collect tax from community. Ao.Bo.To. is supposed as training center and/or school that local people can learn, practice and gain experience means of democracy. They pay their vote in finalizing any community s agreement and decision making process. They participate in election, comprehension of laws and principle of governance and including principle of equity.