Integration of Buddhadhama to Promote Political Participation of Youth in Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the conditions of political participation of youth in Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2) to compare the level of political participation of youth in Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province classified by personal factors; 3) integration of Buddhadhama to promote political participation of youth in Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This was a mixed methods  research. The sample group was youth aged from 18 to 22 years of Dan Khun Thot High School, Luangphor Koon Parisuttho Technical College, 283 people from a total population of 956 people. Informants from interviews consisted of 3 Buddhist academics, 3 political science academics, 3 educational institution administrators, totaling 9 people. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using statistics, namely percentage, mean, standard deviation. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The results of the research found that 1) for general conditions of youth political participation, youth had the rights and duties of citizens in social responsibility, was aware of their roles including the rights of citizens in democratic countries as citizens under the law, did not violate the rights of others for the peace of the country; 2) in terms of comparison of the level of political participation of youth with different genders, educational levels, there was a level of political participation among youth in Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province with no difference. As for youth with different ages had a level of political participation among youth in Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province was significantly different at the 0.05 level; and 3) integration of Buddhadhama to promote political participation of youth by using Aparihaniyadhamma 7, namely meeting regularly, meeting together and ending the meeting together, complying with regulations, respecting elders, do not abuse one's authority, love peace, intend to support good people, protect good people bringing it in political participation as a mechanism to drive youth to act correctly and appropriately with the principles of Buddhism.