Three local government groups are calling on the government to fully decentralise power to local authorities.
The National Municipal League of Thailand, along with the Association of Provincial Administrative Organisations of Thailand and the Association of Tambon Administrative Organisations of Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Bangkok yesterday.
Underlining their commitment to decentralisation, they said such a move would improve people's quality of life as it would allow for quicker and more localised responses to problems.
Somchai Rangsiwattanasak, president of the National Municipal League of Thailand and mayor of Sanan Rak municipality in Pathum Thani, said the demand for change stems from nostalgia for the "golden age" of local governance under the 2017 charter, which laid the groundwork for greater participation in local governance, he said.
"The current constitution places an emphasis on administration by the central and regional governments, which complicates the process of decentralisation," said Mr Somchai. Mr Somchai added that for the coming election, expected on May 7, local administrative authorities will prepare a proposal to amend Chapter 14 of the constitution, which deals with local administration.
The changes will focus on the decentralisation of power to local governments at the tambon (sub-district) and provincial levels, encourage public participation in governance, and promote partnerships with private agencies.
As part of the agreement, the parties will share their experience on local administration to develop a new approach to decentralising power.
"We also intend to gather over 500,000 signatures to back the amendment," he said.
"Regardless of whatever party wins the election, I believe this will motivate the next government to push for greater local autonomy," he said.