Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the development of peoples quality of life in Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 2; 2) to mobilize the area development strategies and the development of peoples quality of life in Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 2; and 3) to present factors for mobilizing the area development strategies and the development of peoples quality of life in Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 2. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, with quantitative data collected via questionnaires and qualitative data collected via in-depth interviews.
1) The development of peoples quality of life in Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 2 according to the strategies consists of 4 aspect as follows: (1) Improving the climate for increasing trade, investment, and logistics that connects the Mekong Sub-region and prepares for ASEAN Community collaboration; (2) Enhancing the value of potential agricultural products through strengthening and increasing the efficiency of agricultural production and agro-industry; (3) Developing and promoting cultural and health conservation tourism; and (4) Maintaining a rich natural resource base and practicing effective environmental management. All of these 4 aspects are overall at a moderate level.
2) The mobilization of the area development strategies and the development of peoples quality of life, which are linked to the National Strategy, Regional Development Strategy, Provincial Cluster Development Plans, and Area Development Plan emphasize the creation of development plans that are consistent across the system. This is based on the connection of the National Strategy, the National Economic and Social Development Plan, various master plans and regional development plans all the way down to area-level development plans, in order to serve as the guidelines for the development. This is a reflection of people's problems and needs in the areas that have been passed down to relevant people in order to lay down strategies and make area development plans to respond to people's needs, as well as a way to increase efficiency and effectiveness, which will lead to sustainable development.
3) Factors for mobilizing the area development strategies and the development of peoples quality of life in Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 2 are based on broad integration and connecting all sectors, with people acting as the center and responding to people's demands. This involves government agencies with advanced and modern potential, as well as generating innovation or initiatives and utilizing interdisciplinary knowledge to respond to varied crises in a timely manner. The integration of all sectors between the government and other sectors in society aims to raise the level of work above coordination or collaboration and towards actual cooperation with a plan to accomplish common objectives and goals. Including, the building of innovation that seeks new ways or approaches to respond to the needs of people in the areas, as well as the use of creative ideas to produce ideas for developing and digitizing the areas. All of this will lead to long-term development based on the context and potential of each area.