Citizen Participation in the Thailand-Myanmar Border Area Security Policy Process
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Abstract
This research article examines the citizen participation in the Thailand-Myanmar border area security policy process. The qualitative research approach was employed. Data were collected using the techniques of documentary research and in-depth interview with key informants selected based on their expertise and direct experience in Thai-Myanmar border security policy. The informants were divided into four groups: public sector, business sector, civil society, and political science scholar, totaling 13 individuals. Data analysis was conducted using the techniques of content analysis. Findings are as follows: (1) Citizen participation in the security policy process was at a moderate level. This participation was characterized by cooperation with the public sector in project implementation and information sharing rather than participation in policy decision-making. This is due to the border area context, which results in incomplete implementation. The participation pattern is characterized by information sharing and cooperation, primarily involving information provision and consultation, with citizens not directly involved in decision-making. Therefore, citizen participation is top-down. (2) Factors influencing citizen participation in the security policy process included factors that promote citizen participation, such as close kinship and cultural ties between communities on both sides of the border, and economic factors, especially trade and high-value exports. Factors that hinder citizen participation included the unrest in Myanmar, which creates security concerns for the public. This causes the public sector to prioritize control over participation. (3) Guidelines for developing citizen participation in the security policy process include: developing the security policy process; developing cooperation between different sectors; developing the capacity of citizens and officials; utilizing technology and innovation; and building regional and international cooperation, which will help to sustainably improve the effectiveness of solving and preventing problems.
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