A MODEL OF BUDDHIST POLITICAL PARTICIPATION FOR PEOPLE IN NONG PRUE MUNICIPALITY, CHONBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the general conditions and problems of people participation in Nong Prue Municipality, Chonburi Province; 2) to explore concepts and theories on participation, as well as the Buddhddhamma's contribution to people's political participation; and 3) to present a model of Buddhist political participation for people in Nong Prue Municipality, Chonburi Province. The study applied a qualitative research method with data being collected by in-depth interviews. The obtained data were presented by descriptive method. From the study, the following results are found:

The general conditions and problems of people participation include: On decision-making in which there is still a lack of public relations, clear news and information for the people, and a lack of sacrifice for the public. People's participation in the monitoring and evaluation systems is still lacking, as is justice, equality, transparency, planning, and policy formulation. On an operation where there is still a lack of motivation to carry out work or activities for the public good.

The study discovered that there is an adoption of concepts and theories as the guidelines for practicing in the community in order for individuals to participate in various political issues. Various principles are applied as the community development plans for more progress through the development of potential and building opportunities for the public sector to take part in the management. This is built on the participatory principles of thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, getting benefits, monitoring, and evaluating within the framework of the Aparihāniyadhamma (Seven Conditions of Welfare) to train people to participate in the management of local organizations