Abstract:
The purposes of this research were 1) to study the level of processes and outcomes of implementing the alcohol control policy in Phuket Province, and 2) to investigate factors affecting these processes and outcomes. This research employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The quantitative method utilized questionnaires created by the researcher to ask three groups of people: officers, residents, and business operators in Phuket. The researcher incorporated an in-depth interview with the alcohol control committee and held a focus group discussion with business operators in Phuket to collect the data for the qualitative data analysis in order to identify the problems and obstacles faced in implementing such policy.
The study revealed that the level of the alcohol control policy implementation in Phuket was found to be moderate (3.45). The Casual structure model of the policy implementation was also found to be valid and complied with the empirical data. (GFI =0.94, AGFI = 0.91, RMR = 0.04, and Rel.x2 = 1.31) The direct and indirect factors affecting the implementation processes of the policy included economy, missions and assignments, operation units efficiency, and public relations.
The level of outcomes of the alcohol control policy implementation for the public was found to be moderate (3.28). Meanwhile, the level of outcomes of the alcohol control policy implementation for the business operators was found to be high (4.06). The direct and indirect factors affecting the outcomes of the policy included economy, communication and public relations, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction
The problems and obstacles that occurred when implementing the alcohol control policy were as follow:
1. The officers did not enforce the regulations related to the alcohol control policy strictly because their administrators were interested only in their own personal benefits.
2. The administrators did not assign jobs to the officers based on their ability, and there seemed to be lacking of a follow-up process.
3. There were peculiar economics involved in the alcohol business in Phuket between the national and local politicians, and the beverage agencies and executive administrators of the alcohol control policy committee.
4. Business operators did not pay attention to the control policy because the penalty fines imposed for any violation was very low.
5. The policy affected tourism in Phuket because tourists were unhappy and business operators lost their income.
6. Most business owners in Phuket were powerful and could negotiate with the officers if they violated the policy.
Suggestions for policy makers are as follow:
1. Encourage participation and awareness of involved organizations for the alcohol control policy, and urge the public to participate in observing the violation of the law especially by the government officers.
2. Modify the regulations concerning the alcohol control policy to comply with the atmosphere of a touristic city, and the punishment for the violators.
3. Establish a task force unit that is responsible for the inspection of the national law enforcement for alcohol control.
4. Assign specific zones for people who drink alcohol in each area.
5. Emphasize the importance of law enforcement by government officers.
6. Motivate the police officers to perform their jobs based on the alcohol control policy.
7. Create various media to inform the public continuously
Suggestions for further studies:
1. There is a need for further research to study about advantages and disadvantages of implementing the alcohol control policy in Phuket.
2. Identify the Leadership Skills needed in implementing the alcohol control policy at all administrative levels.
3. Develop a collaborative model among various organizations in Phuket to ensure successful alcohol control policy implementation.