As an integral part of the decentralization process, the Government of Thailand has asked local government officials to accept greater responsibility in the area of service delivery.  In addition, at the time of the partnership, there was a great need for citizen participation and outreach as the country transitioned to a more decentralized government.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded ICMA the CityLinks Thailand program to promote sustainable community development and replication of best practices.  The program provided assistance to the cities of Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket through their partnership with the City of Portland, Oregon. 

The program sought to create a consortium of Thai cities to address common issues with support and feedback from citizens, nongovernmental organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector.  The partner cities also addressed the redevelopment challenges facing each city and the need for improved sustainable environmental protection through the implementation of prudent financial management.

The CityLinks program included a replication component that built on the earlier partnership between Rayong, Thailand, and Portland, Oregon.  That partnership allowed the City of Rayong to better respond to the challenges of decentralization through improved financial management and increased citizen participation.  The program sought to disseminate the lessons learned and best practices to other Thai cities.