The Koh Samui Municipality Development Committee’s Engagement with Locals
In an endeavor to foster local development, the Koh Samui Municipality Development Committee convened with the local community. This notable gathering, marked as the second of its kind for the year 2024, occurred on July 12, at the Petcharat Samui Meeting Room within the municipality’s office. Mr. Ramnetr Jaikwang, the esteemed Mayor of Koh Samui, chaired the meeting, setting the stage for a collaborative dialogue between municipal leaders and residents.
The Importance of Collaborative Planning
Executives, members of the municipal council, heads of local government agencies, and representatives from various sectors, including state enterprises and the private sector, were in attendance. The inclusive meeting also welcomed participation from community committees, health volunteers, professionals from diverse fields, and citizens, reflecting a comprehensive community representation.
Koh Samui Municipality’s Strategic Initiatives
Strategic Planning for Koh Samui’s Future
The Strategy and Budgeting Department of Koh Samui played a crucial role in orchestrating the meeting, aligning with the longstanding directives from the Ministry of Interior. These guidelines, first established in 2005 and later amended in 2018, ensure that local administrative organizations create development plans that are both inclusive and strategic. The collaborative planning process embraced a multifaceted approach involving consultation, knowledge exchange, collective action, decision-making, and joint responsibility—all rooted in equality and equity.
Deliberating Koh Samui’s Development Roadmap
During the session, participants focused on evaluating the draft additional local development plan for the period of 2023-2027. This draft represented an incremental update, known as the second iteration for the municipality’s development strategy. Moreover, amendments to the first draft of the development plan for the same period were under review for the current year, 2024. The analysis was thorough, touching upon various local issues within the district of Koh Samui. This meticulous process ensures that the resultant plan would not only be comprehensive but also tailored accurately to address the specific needs and challenges of the Koh Samui community.
Engaging in Open Dialogue for Community Benefit
The emphasis on a development plan that is “comprehensive, complete, and correct,” as mandated by the regulations of the Ministry of Interior, was palpable throughout the meeting. The inclusive nature of the discussions underscored a foundational belief in the power of community engagement to drive meaningful progress. It’s clear that Koh Samui Municipality is committed to creating a sustainable and prosperous future that meets the aspirations of its vibrant community.
