Integrative Buddhism to Promote The Political Participation for The Community Development of People in Nam Cham Subdistrict, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This research article aims to (1) investigate the level of political participation among people in community development; (2) study factors affecting people’s political participation in community development; and (3) present integrative Buddhism to enhance people’s political participation in community development in Nam Cham Subdistrict, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province. This study employs a mixed-methods research design. The tools used for data collection include questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The statistical methods used for data analysis include frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study reveal that: 1) People's political participation in community development was overall at a moderate level. However, the level of Aparihaniyadhamma and people's political participation in community development was high. 2) The factors influencing the political participation of citizens in the development of Nam Cham Subdistrict, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province are identified in seven areas: (1) the principle of convening meetings in unison, (2) the principle of providing care and attention to visitors, (3) the principle of holding regular meetings, (4) the principle of not establishing regulations that contradict existing rules, (5) the principle of respecting women, (6) the principle of respecting places, and (7) the principle of respecting superiors, all of which are statistically significant. 3) The Buddhist integration approach to promote the political participation of citizens in community development consists of seven key principles: (1) holding regular meetings to strengthen participation, (2) beginning and ending meetings in unison, (3) avoiding the establishment of rules that conflict with existing agreements, (4) respecting community leaders, (5) supporting the role of women in the community, (6) emphasizing the importance of venues for development activities, and (7) providing care and attention to visitors.