Buddhadhamma Application for People’s Political Participation Promotion in Thung Na Ngam Subdistrict, Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the level of political participation promotion of the people in Thung Na Ngam Subdistrict; 2) to compare the opinions of the people regarding the promotion of political participation in Thung Na Ngam Subdistrict, categorized by personal factors; and 3) to study the problems, obstacles, and suggestions regarding the application of Buddhist Dhamma principles to promote political participation of the people in Thung Nangam Subdistrict. This was a mixed-methods research. Quantitative data was collected from 358 eligible voters in Thung Na Ngam Subdistrict using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.983. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with 12 key informants. Data was analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The research findings revealed that 1) the overall level of political participation promotion of the people in Thung Na Ngam Subdistrict was moderate ( = 3.14, S.D. = 0.60); 2) a comparison of public opinion regarding political participation in Thung Na Ngam Subdistrict showed that people of different genders and ages did not have significantly different opinions on political participation promotion, while people with different levels of education, occupation, and monthly income had significantly different opinions at the 0.05 statistical significance level; 3) problems, obstacles, and suggestions regarding the application of Buddhadhamma to promote public political participation indicated that some people lacked understanding Aparihaniyadhamma, had time constraints, and viewed participating in community activities as not their responsibility, resulting in weak political participation. Suggestions included promoting knowledge about Aparihaniyadhamma, developing diverse communication channels and ways to listen to public opinion, and raising awareness and providing opportunities for all groups of people, especially the disabled and disadvantaged to participate more in community development and local politics.