IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY-OF-LIFE DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CITIZENS IN SURAT THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to study the level of quality of life among people in Surat Thani Province; (2) to analyse the implementation of public policies aimed at improving the quality of life in Surat Thani; and (3) to propose guidelines for enhancing the quality of life of the local population. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The population consisted of 1,066,439 residents aged 18 years and over, officially registered in Surat Thani Province. The sample size was calculated using Taro Yamane's formula, resulting in a sample of 400 individuals. In addition, 20 key informants, including local leaders and community members, were interviewed. Research instruments included a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and multiple regression analysis.

          The findings revealed that: (1) the overall quality of life of the people in Surat Thani Province, as well as the implementation of public policies for quality-of-life development, were at a high level; however, resource allocation received the lowest mean score; (2) public participation in public hearings and in policy evaluation was found to have a statistically significant positive correlation with the quality of life of the population at the 0.05 level; and (3) improving quality of life in Surat Thani Province requires policies that are participatory in planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. Additionally, there is a need to reform the structure of public administration to be more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the complexity of local contexts.