GOVERNANCE IN THE THAI CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABILITY
Keywords:
Governance, Construction Industry, Corporate Oversight, Transparency, SustainabilityAbstract
The purpose of this article is to examine the systemic governance challenges facing Thailand’s construction industry and to propose pathways toward sustainability. Weak governance has long undermined the sector, giving rise to corruption, lack of transparency, and ineffective regulatory enforcement. Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the Thai context is suggested as a critical strategy for addressing these persistent issues.
The discussion highlights five key themes: governance and ESG within the Thai setting, practical governance challenges, tools and mechanisms that support accountability, stakeholder engagement, and case studies of sustainable practices. The insights presented in this article contribute to both conceptual understanding and practical applications, offering guidance for industry practitioners, regulatory agencies, and academic scholars. Ultimately, this study seeks to foster a construction industry that is transparent, accountable, and sustainable in the long term.
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