INTEGRATING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO PROMOTE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE BAK DAI SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVEORGANIZATION, AT PHANOM DONG RAK DISTRICT, IN SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the level of public participation in the administration of the Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province; 2) compare public participation in the administration of the Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province; and 3) propose the integration of Buddhist principles to promote public participation in the administration of the Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. This mixed-method research methodology comprised a quantitative survey method using a questionnaire with a reliability of 1.0. The sample consisted of 383 residents within the Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organization. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, t-tests, and F-tests using a one-way analysis of variance. Qualitative research was conducted using in-depth interviews with 12 key informants.
The results revealed:
1) Overall, public participation was high ( 𝑥̄  = 3.84, S.D. = 0.29)
2) The comparison revealed that residents with different genders, ages, and incomes had different opinions on the administration of the Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, thus rejecting the research hypothesis. Residents with different education levels and occupations had similar opinions. Therefore, the research hypothesis is accepted.
3) Integrating Buddhist principles to promote public participation. The results show that: (1) the council, executives, and community meet regularly. (2) all parties work together in unison, with all parties working diligently and unified according to agreed resolutions. (3) strictly adhering to rules and regulations, strictly adhering to local laws and regulations, fostering transparency. (4) respecting elders, respecting and listening to the opinions of executives, seniors, and experienced personnel. (5) not oppressing or coercing women, administering with fairness and without abusing power. (6) paying homage to sacred places, conserving and maintaining religious sites and historical sites. (7) protecting moral persons, supporting religious activities, and protecting good people who contribute to the community, serving as role models.