Abstract
This study examines how external factors influence agricultural policy implementation by local administrative organizations (LAOs) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with collaboration modeled as a mediator. A mixed-methods design across 59 LAOs combines surveys, interviews, and document analysis. Statistical results indicate that social dynamics exert the strongest direct effect on policy outcomes (β = 0.270, p = 0.007), while political influences are marginally significant (β = 0.151, p ≈ 0.05). Although economic and technological factors record lower means (3.34 and 3.03), their impacts become substantial when transmitted through collaborative mechanisms, accounting for approximately 54–70% of total effects. Qualitative cases illustrate farmer networks, community enterprises, and shared-equipment programs that increase household incomes by about 30% and reduce resource dependence. Building on these findings, a Collaboration-Mediated Participatory Development model is advanced, positing that multi-stakeholder collaboration should precede major technological investments. Despite the provincial scope, the evidence offers actionable guidance for the design of agricultural policy in resource-constrained Southeast Asian contexts.