The Digital Divide, Wealth, and Inequality: An Examination of Socio-Economic Determinants of Collaborative Environmental Governance in Thailand through Provincial-Level Panel Data Analysis

Suwatchai Denfanapapol, Prasongchai Setthasuravich (), Surapong Rattanakul, Aphisit Pukdeewut and Hironori Kato
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Suwatchai Denfanapapol: College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand
Prasongchai Setthasuravich: Data Innovation and Public Policy Engineering Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand
Surapong Rattanakul: Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
Aphisit Pukdeewut: College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand
Hironori Kato: Department of Civil Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: Collaborative environmental governance (CEG) is a tripartite process that engages the government, private sector, and general public in decision-making related to environmental challenges, focusing on fostering more sustainable and efficient solutions. Understanding the specific factors influencing the degree of CEG presents a significant challenge, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to identify and assess the socio-economic determinants affecting the degree of CEG in Thailand, a representative developing country. Utilizing robust panel data models, which are well-suited to handle the complex variability of socio-economic factors, we analyzed provincial-level data from 2017 and 2019. Our findings revealed the associations between the degree of CEG and variables such as the internet access divide, economic activities, income inequality, and budget allocations for environmental activities. This research fills critical gaps in our understanding of how these determinants shape collaborative governance efforts, offering novel insights that challenge existing paradigms and providing actionable recommendations for policymakers striving to enhance environmental governance in developing regions.

Keywords: collaborative environmental governance; environmental management; collaborative governance; Thailand; panel data; digital divide (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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