Application of Buddhadhamma to Promote Democratic Political Culture of Sikhio Municipality, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the general conditions towards the democratic political culture of Sikhio Municipality, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2) to compare the level of opinions towards democratic political culture of Sikhio Municipality, Nakhon Ratchasima Province classified by personal factors; and 3) to apply Buddhadhamma to promote democratic political culture of Sikhio Municipality, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It was a mixed methods research. Data were collected from a sample of 385 people. There were interviews with 9 informants. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using statistics, namely percentage, mean, standard deviation, in-depth interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The results of the research found that  1) in general conditions towards the democratic political culture of Sikhio Municipality, people cooperated in monitoring and inspecting the work of officials in order not to use power in the wrong way, was a leader in raising awareness of others in participating in political and administrative activities, exercise of voting rights and participation in checking state power, conducting political activities within the legal framework; 2) in terms of comparing the level of opinions towards democratic political culture classified by personal factors, people with different genders, ages, education levels, occupations, and monthly incomes had not difference in a levels of opinion towards promoting democratic political culture of Sikhio Municipality, Nakhon Ratchasima Province at statistical significance of the 0.05 level and 3) in the aspect of applying Buddhadhamma to promote democratic political culture, the officials must display polite behavior in performing their duties towards the public, have a generous heart, show kindness to those who came to request service, have sacrifice. When taking on the role of leader, one must express kindness towards subordinates, speak gently and explain to others to help create unity in the community and manage work with sacrifice.