Participation in the Preservation of Local Traditions of Tak Tok Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Ban Tak District, Tak Province according to Buddhist principles

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the level of participation in the preservation of local traditions in Tak Tok Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Ban Tak District, Tak Province; 2) to analyze the relationship between Sammappadhana 4 and participation in the preservation of local traditions; and 3) to propose guidelines for promoting participation in the preservation of local traditions in Tak Tok Subdistrict Administrative Organization based on Sammappadhana 4. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative research employed the Cohen-Afhof participation theory framework. The study population consisted of 1,197 residents of Tak Tok Subdistrict. The sample size was calculated using Taro Yamane's formula, resulting in 300 respondents. The data collection instrument was a 5-level Likert scale questionnaire. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 20 key informants, analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The research findings revealed that 1) the overall level of participation in the preservation of local traditions in Tak Tok Subdistrict Administrative Organization based on Sammapadhana 4 was moderate (= 3.12, S.D. = 0.31), and the overall level of participation in the preservation of local traditions according to Cohen and Abhof's theory in all four aspects was also moderate ( = 3.40, S.D. = 0.27); 2) the analysis of Sammapadhana 4 showed a moderate positive correlation with participation in the preservation of local traditions in Tak Tok Subdistrict Administrative Organization (r = 0.303); 3) guidelines for promoting participation based on Sammapadhana 4 should encourage opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making, planning and implementation, receiving benefits from activities, and monitoring and evaluating resulted through a systematic community participatory process.