INTEGRATING THE PRINCIPLE OF BIAS TO STRENGTHEN THE DECISION-MAKING OF THE PEOPLE'S SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION ELECTION IN LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. study the election of council members and sub-district administrative organization (SAO) chiefs in Lampang Province, 2. identify factors influencing the election of council members and SAO chiefs in Lampang Province, and 3. apply Buddhist principles to encourage voter participation in these elections in Lampang Province. The research employs a mixed-method approach, using qualitative research through in-depth interviews with key informants and focus groups, as well as quantitative research using a questionnaire with an overall reliability score of 0.995. Data was collected from a sample of 398 participants and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis.

The findings are as follows: 1. The election of council members and SAO chiefs in Lampang Province is generally at a high level. 2. Factors influencing these elections are also significant, especially in areas affecting decision-making and the Four Biases principle. Political understanding, particularly in terms of rights and laws, political participation through active engagement, political attitudes reinforced by political values, and political behavior assessed and verified were all influential. 3. Applying Buddhist principles to encourage electoral participation involved: Bias of Desire (Chanda Agati) decisions based on fairness, Bias of Hatred (Dosa Agati) using understanding and reason, Bias of Delusion (Moha Agati) evaluating accuracy and appropriateness, and Bias of Fear (Bhaya Agati) focusing on adherence to righteousness.