Local Government Leaders in the New Era of Life according to the Dhamma Socialism Principles of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

             This research has three objectives 1) to study the performance, problems, and solutions of local leaders in Surat Thani Province; 2) to develop a local leadership model in the era of the new way of life according to the principles of Dhamma Socialism of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu in Surat Thani Province; and 3) to present a local leadership model in the era of the new way of life according to the principles of Dhamma Socialism of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu in Surat Thani Province. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
             The research result found that:
             1. The level of local leaders in the new way of life according to the principles of Dhamma Socialism of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu who use the principles of Lay Dharma in Surat Thani Province, as a whole, is at a high level (=3.63). When considering each aspect, it is at a high level in every aspect, with the highest level in generosity (=4.01), followed by patience (=3.90), self-control (=3.75), and the lowest level in truth (=3.63), respectively.
             2. Local leaders in the new way according to the principles of Dhammic socialism should have characteristics according to the four principles of lay virtues : truth (sincerity), leaders should be transparent in their work and honest in keeping their word; self-control (self-restraint), leaders should have the ability to control their emotions and be patient with pressure ; patience (endurance), leaders should be patient with various difficulties; and charity (sacrifice), leaders should be able to sacrifice personal benefits for the public.
             3. The characteristics of local leaders in the new era of Dhamma socialism according to the principles of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu in Surat Thani Province were found to be: truthfulness, honesty, and keeping one's word; dhamma, self-control, and emotional control, tolerance for pressure; khanti, tolerance for injustice and conflict; and generosity, sacrifice of personal interests for the common good. Furthermore, local leaders in Surat Thani Province were found to be highly aligned with Dhamma socialism, particularly generosity, with the highest levels being achieved. Khanti, dhamma, and truthfulness were next, respectively.