Abstract:
The objectives of this study are 1) to analyze the structure of economic and political systems in 4 municipals: Khon Kaen municipal, Ubon Ratchathani municipal, Udon Thani municipal, and Nakorn Ratchasima municipal, and 2) to analyzes interest groups, network relation, exchange of interests, and budget allocation of the 4 municipals. The study finds that the political groups members have accumulated capitals from their own business until gaining financial stability up to certain level before entering into local politics. After the 2540 B.E. Constitution came into effect, political groups have become more politically involve, in the form of running a business together with creating connection with politician. This is done by the set up of patronage political relation network, both with national and local politicians, as well as a setup of benefit exchange. The study also finds that there are 3 levels of relationship between political groups and local administration organizations in the exchange of interests. 1) Local political groups act as a vote base for political party. 2) Politicians at the national level have business-like relationship in the exchange of benefits with local business group by coordinating special government funding with the local administration organization. 3) Local political group try to build political networks locally by sending family members and relatives to local election at all 3 levels: provincial administration organization, municipal, and local administration organization.