BUDDHIST INTEGRATION FOR PROMOTING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF PUA DISTRICT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN NAN PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the level of public participation in community economic development; 2. To examine the relationship between the Aparihaniyadhamma and public participation; and 3. To propose a Buddhist Integration for promoting public participation.  The research methodology employed a mixed-methods approach. Incorporating a quantitative survey of 397 samples. Data were analyzed using a statistical package to determine frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants and analyzed using content descriptive analysis.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of public participation was at a high level. (= 4.31) 2. The relationship between the Aparihaniyadhamma and public participation showed a positive correlation at a relatively high level. (R=0.730**) which was statistically significant at the 0.01 level. and 3. Regarding Buddhist integration for promoting participation using the Aparihaniyadhamma, was found that regular meetings and collective operations under strict regulations were essential. By integrating local wisdom alongside the promotion of women's roles and the preservation of cultural traditions, encouraging the adherence to Dhamma principles in both daily life and work serves as a vital foundation for developing the community economy with stability and sustainability.