Alcohol policy process in Thailand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Date
2008
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Massey University
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Abstract
The thesis describes and analyses the Thai alcohol policy process in the period 1997 -
2006, in order to investigate the characteristics and areas for potential improvement of
the Thai alcohol policy process. The analysis used several extant public policy models.
The models covered three aspects of the process at the macro leve l : stages of
development, the characteristics and behaviours of maj or policy players, and the policy
context. At the micro level the analysis employs concepts of agenda setting, policy
formulation, policy implementation, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder
relationships and policy context. Information on Thai alcohol policy was collected from
two sources: secondary data included official documents, literature, technical
publications and mass media; pnmary data was collected through stakeholder
interviews.
Thai alcohol policy, during this period became more comprehensive and more oriented
to public health. Problem-reduction values gained momentum while economic values
remained significant. Thai policy stakeholders focused on the formulation process,
while implementation, monitoring and evaluation were neglected. Limited resources,
human capacity and ineffective management exacerbated this situation. Incrementalism
characterised Thai alcohol policy formulation; existing policy or the policy precursor
was very important to the decisions made. Limitations in the availability, accuracy and
utilisation of knowledge about alcohol consumption, related problems and alcohol
policy also affected the process.
The Thai alcohol policy process became a more open public policy sphere for
stakeholders. Many new players made major contributions to the process. The
mechanisms stakeholders use to influence policy have become more complex and
included: technical knowledge, the use of mass media and civil movements, and
coordination among stakeholders. A centralised bureaucratic administration and
personal and institutional interests are critical features for official stakeholders, while
connection to high ranking officials and representation in the process are significant for
interest groups. The Thai cultural context had a crucial impact on the alcohol policy
process; cultural features which are not explicitly covered in the Western policy models
utilised include cronyism, relationships, representation, commitment, negligence, and
compromise. These characteristics make the Thai alcohol policy process difficult to
fully explain in terms of the available public policy theories.
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Keywords
Public policy, Policy and culture