NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT APPROACH OF KHLONG LUANG MUNICIPALITY, KHLONG LUANG DISTRICT, PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to examine New Public Management (NPM) in Khlong Luang Municipality, Pathum Thani Province, with three primary objectives: (1) to analyze the overall level of NPM implementation, (2) to compare opinions on NPM across personal demographic factors, and (3) to propose guidelines for the development of NPM practices. A quantitative research design was employed, based on the conceptual framework of the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (2013). The sample consisted of 381 residents aged 18 years and above, determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table, from a total population of 51,912. Data were collected using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance.

          The findings revealed that the overall implementation of NPM was rated at a high level. The highest mean score was found in public asset management efficiency, followed by organizational modernization and capacity building, participatory governance involving the state, private sector, and citizens, integrated public administration, readiness for ASEAN community integration, and service excellence. The lowest mean score was related to transparency enhancement and trust-building in governance. Comparative analysis showed no statistically significant differences in opinions regarding NPM based on gender, age, occupation, or monthly income, whereas educational level exhibited statistically significant differences at the .05 level.