Integrated model of public policy formulation by stakeholders in the Thai rice strategy implementation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to 1) to study the integrated model of public policy formulation by stakeholders in the implementation of the Thai rice strategy 2) to analyze factors influencing Thai rice public policy and 3) to develop an integrated model of public policy formulation by the stakeholders in the implementation of the Thai rice strategy.

This research was conducted adopting a qualitative approach. Data collection was done by studying and reviewing relevant literature, including in-depth interviews and observations of key informants. The researcher has divided the sample informants into 3 groups which can be seen as follows. 1) A group of nine (9) policy makers 2) A group of sixteen (16) policy adopters 3) A group of forty-six (46) stakeholders

In order to develop the model at the final stage, the researcher has adopted “Content Analysis” for data analysis. In addition, SWOT Analysis and also TOWS Analysis were adopted to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and later on to develop an integrated model of public policy formulations by stakeholders in the Thai rice strategy implementation.

The study of the public policy formulation by stakeholders in Thai rice strategy implementation indicated that, major of the policies formulated tends to focus on large-scaled production mainly for export, which consequently allows groups of capitalists to have a major influence on the political system. These capitalists usually come in the form of “interest groups”. While Thailand is still led by the monopolistic bureaucracy, it is difficult to deny that the government has the power to dominate the public policy process of formulation. Most of the public policy in Thailand usually offers solutions to the short-term problem. As a result, farmers tend to depend on the state policies, rather than learning to rely on themselves.

Regarding the factors influencing the public policy formulation by stakeholders in the Thai rice strategy implementation, it was found that in-equality of farmers’ life quality is driven mainly by the different level of capital ownership. The capital in this case includes manpower, money (as capital investment), operating machines, (raw) materials for rice production, production inputs ownership and land ownership. These are all important factors in the formulation of rice public policy. The Thai rice supply chain is comprised of several stakeholders, beginning with the "farmers", the upstream unit of the rice supply chain.

In the development of an integrated model of public policy formulation by stakeholders in the implementation of Thai rice strategy, the first observation was the importance of reducing government interventions. The second one was the integration and collaboration between government agencies involving in Thai rice policy implementation. All this has to be put in action, in line with building the awareness, in effects and consequences of the government’s action. This is an important system that will enhance the government’s operating performance.

With rice research and development facing the budget problems, we can use farmers’ cooperation as a tool to solve this problem. The use of technology should also be encouraged in rice production and management, for example, the development of geographical indications system. This is a sustainable solution to the problem of rice products and this also helps in enhancing the uniqueness of Thai rice. This can consequently help farmers improve their quality of life and reduce the dependency on the government’s public policy. It is a long-term and sustainable solution to long-term policy issues.