Integration of Buddhist Principles in Promoting Environmental Management by Local Administrators in Taopoon Sub-district Administrative Organization, Song District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) examine the level of environmental management practiced by local administrators of the Taopoon Sub-district Administrative Organization; (2) investigate the relationship between the Iddhipāda Dhamma principles and environmental management among these local administrators; and
(3) propose an integrated approach to Buddhist principles for enhancing environmental management by local administrators in Taopoon Sub-district Administrative Organization, Song District, Phrae Province. A mixed-methods research design was employed. For the quantitative component, data were collected from 377 residents in the Taopoon Sub-district Administrative Organization area using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used for data analysis. For the qualitative component, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 key informants from five groups: two Buddhist practitioners, two political science practitioners, two officials of the Taopoon Sub-district Administrative Organization, two local leaders, and two community representatives. The qualitative data were analyzed and synthesized according to the research objectives and presented in a descriptive format.

The findings revealed that the overall level of environmental management by local administrators, based on the Four Iddhipāda principles, was rated at a high level. Moreover, the relationship between the Four Iddhipāda principles and the promotion of environmental management among local administrators in Taopoon Sub-district Administrative Organization, Song District, Phrae Province, demonstrated a strongly positive correlation. This indicates that residents were highly satisfied with overall performance. The integration of the Four Iddhipāda principles supported environmental management through commitment and care for plans and projects, prioritization of environmental issues, continuous public consultation, proactive problem-solving by listening to both direct and indirect information, and systematic reporting of project outcomes in accordance with the established plans.