Collaborative Network Activities of Thai Subnational Governments: Current Practices

Abstract

This article provides a systematic analysis of collaborative network activities in Thai subnational governance after the implementation of administrative devolution policy in 1999. Two hundred and eighteen cases classified into three policy areas: environmental management and natural resource preservation, public welfare, and education and cultural programs, are examined regarding modes of networked collaborations, network sizes, and network partners and their contributions to networks. Findings show that networked arrangements are diverse, with the average number of partners of five, and are common when local governments deal with environmental management, natural resources and public welfare program. But it is not the case for the educational policy area. Also found is that civic groups are very active local partners. However, national and regional governmental agencies do not engage much in promoting the work of local partnerships. Likewise, collaboration among local governments is rare. These issues raise future challenges for enhancing local network collaboration and especially for redesigning future devolution policies.