Democrats Discuss with Subdistrict Administration Association on Pushing Decentralization, Study Plans for Local Government Ministry
The Democrat Party met with Thailand's Subdistrict Administrators Association to discuss advancing decentralization, boosting local government revenue, and creating a new Local Government Ministry to oversee local administration nationwide.
The Democrat Party held talks with the Association of Subdistrict Administrators of Thailand on advancing decentralization, increasing local government revenue, and exploring the establishment of a Local Government Ministry to systematically oversee local administration nationwide. On May 26, 2026, at Democrat Party headquarters, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and southern regional deputy leader Chaiyachan Detdetcho welcomed Khunpoch Praedham, administrator of the Association of Subdistrict Administrators of Thailand and mayor of Krajiew Subdistrict Administration Organization in Ayutthaya Province, along with Pithaya Teravachananth, mayor of Saiyamul Subdistrict, to discuss decentralization and local development approaches.
Chaiyachan stated that the Democrat Party invited the association to discuss three key issues: decentralization strategies to address problems facing local officials, increasing revenue sources for local government organizations to strengthen them, and exchanging ideas about establishing a Ministry of Local Government to systematically manage local administration nationwide. The Democrat Party has championed decentralization since Chuan Leekpai served as Prime Minister, when a budget framework of 35 percent was set for local government organizations, though currently they receive only 29.5 percent.
Chaiyachan emphasized that local government organizations are the closest institutions to the people throughout their lives and are the first responders to solve community problems. Therefore, strengthening local governments through increased revenue and administrative flexibility is essential and requires collective effort from all parties.
The association will further study the proposals and information before meeting again with the Democrat Party to advance them through parliamentary processes for the benefit of local government organizations and the public nationwide. Khunpoch stated this represents a valuable opportunity for the longstanding Democrat Party to prioritize decentralization, having been instrumental in promoting the Decentralization Act B.E. 2542. This discussion marks an important starting point for reviewing and adjusting decentralization processes to align with the act's principles and strengthen local government organizations at all levels, recognizing that a strong local government means a stronger Thailand.
