A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1984

This study is an attempt to find the potential and possibility of modifying and strengthening the management of rural development planning implementation under the Fifth National economic and Social Development Plan (1982-1986) on the basis of opinions and experiences of the Rural Development Committee Members and Government Officers from the provincial level to the village level. Eighty-nine committee members under the Koral Development Project, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, have been used as the sample in this study. The questionnaire was used to obtain the descriptive data from the sample respondents. It was found that the new management system for rural development is effective as compared to the old system and it can facilitate coordination. The conduct of regular meetings among the agencies concerned and personal relationships are the mechanisms of coordination used by most officers. However, lack of regular field monitoring and guidance is mentioned as the most important constraint to coordination. Furthermore, improvement of the working efficiency of the committee members as well as the concerned officers is also advocated. Therefore, the comprehensive project monitoring and evaluation system was recommended to be strengthened. Moreover, the government officers and the rural development committee members should be provided with more training courses and seminars, and meetings about the rural development process and management system. Some further research should be undertaken : a geographical diversification and intensification of the research for each level of the government hierarchy are needed. Further detailed research on technical planning matters should be done. A final recommendation is that the Korat Development Project should be studied as a project in order to learn lessons for other provinces.