Public Perception of the Act on the Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country, B.E. 2535 (1992) A Case Study of Pathum Thani Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate Public Perception of the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Maintenance Act B.E. 2535 among residents of Pathum Thani Municipality. The objectives were threefold: (1) to assess the overall level of Public Perception, (2) to examine the relationship between demographic factors–including gender, age, educational attainment, occupation, and length of residence–and Public Perception of the Act, and (3) to explore the association between Public Perception, attitudes, and behaviors regarding public cleanliness and orderliness. A quantitative research design was employed. The study population comprised 23,131 residents of Pathum Thani Municipality. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 394 was calculated, with an additional six respondents included to ensure data completeness, resulting in a total of 400 participants. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using statistical software. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while inferential analyses involved t-tests, F-tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Findings revealed that occupation was the demographic factor most strongly associated with Public Perception, followed by age and length of residence, which demonstrated similar levels of correlation. Educational attainment exhibited a low correlation, and no significant relationship was observed between gender and awareness. Overall, participants displayed a high level of awareness of the Act. Among the dimensions assessed, attitudes scored the highest (x̄= 4.00, S.D. = 0.82), followed by knowledge (x̄ = 3.91, S.D. = 1.01) and behaviors (x̄= 3.89, S.D. = 1.03). In conclusion, demographic factors exerted limited influence on awareness, whereas knowledge and attitudes played a pivotal role in promoting appropriate behaviors. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymaking, public outreach, and strategies to enhance compliance with the law effectively.