Community Development Prototype to Create a Society Based on Buddhist Innovation Principles to Instill Political Awareness in the Democratic Regime of the People in Wat Inthan Community Phayao Municipality Phayao Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1. Study the factors that strengthen the cultivation of political consciousness in democracy of people in Wat Inthan community, Phayao Municipality. 2. Develop a prototype community to create a society based on the principles of Buddhist innovation in cultivating political consciousness in democracy of people in Wat Inthan community, Phayao Municipality. 3. Evaluate the results of the development of a prototype community to create a society based on the principles of Buddhist innovation in cultivating political consciousness in democracy of people in Wat Inthan community, Phayao Municipality. This is a mixed-method research. The research tools include questionnaires and interviews. The sample population is 764 eligible voters aged 18 and over. The sample group is 263 people using Taro Yamane's formula. The key informants are divided into 4 groups, 25 persons. The data are analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing.

 The research results found that: 1. Factors that strengthened the cultivation of political consciousness in democracy among people in Wat Inthan community were female, aged 46–60 years, lower secondary education, trading occupation, and income of 20,001–30,000 baht per month. Political consciousness was at a very satisfactory level (=3.91), while political nurturing through various institutions was at a moderate level (=3.43), and the cultivation of political consciousness in 6 dimensions was at a high level (=3.71). Gender did not have a significant effect, but factors of age, education, occupation, and income had a significant effect. 2. The development of model communities based on Buddhist innovation focuses on the application of Dhamma principles such as the 6 Saraniyadhammas, the 4 Noble Truths, the 4 Brahmaviharas, and Sammaditthi to strengthen democratic consciousness, leadership virtues, and constructive conflict management. In the face of limitations in knowledge, expression, and patronage systems, cooperation from all sectors should be continuously promoted. 3. The evaluation of the prototype community as a whole was at a high level (=4.26). The context and input factors were at the highest level (=4.46), process (=4.29), and output (=3.81). Although the people were aware of the value of the principles, the changes in knowledge, attitudes, and political behaviors were still at a moderate level. Continuous development is needed for sustainability.