Constraints to and Opportunities for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Policy in Thailand’s Local Administrative Organizations

Abstract

The implementation of sustainable development in urban planning, particularly in local governance, is a crucial process of translating an abstract notion into tangible form of urban development.  The attempt to apply this concept in local administrative organizations (LAOs) can be constrained. Local ability and willingness to implement the concept have not been effectively supported and, therefore, supporting and enabling conditions are required. This article aimed to identify the factors affecting local ability and willingness to implement the concept of sustainable development.  It reveals how the enabling conditions can be created. This was done through documentary research and the explanation has been made based on the context of Thai local governance. The study also identifies constraints and opportunities for the implementation of sustainable development policy in LAOs.