BUDDHIST INTEGRATION FOR LOCAL POLITICAL MENAGEMENT CONFLICTS AMONG THE PEOPLE IN PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1. study the general conditions and characteristics of local political conflict management; 2. examine the factors affecting local political conflict management; and 3. propose the integration of Buddhist principles for local political conflict management in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The quantitative study was conducted with 385 samples selected from 663,550 eligible voters in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The qualitative study collected data from 18 key informants through in-depth interviews and analyzed the data using descriptive content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1. the general conditions and characteristics of local political conflict management remained at a semi-developed level, with government agencies and local administrative organizations serving as the main mechanisms for addressing conflicts, while public participation lacked continuity and transparency continued to affect public trust; 2. the factors affecting political conflict management showed that political awareness significantly influenced local political conflict management at the .01 level. Media dissemination (β = .485) had the strongest influence, followed by political ideology commitment (β = .250) and political knowledge (β = .212), jointly predicting 48.60 percent of the variance. Meanwhile, among the Six Principles of Cordiality (Saraniyadhamma 6), loving speech (β = .375) and sharing of benefits (β = .159) jointly predicted 20.60 percent of the variance; and 3. the integration of Buddhist principles indicated that the Six Principles of Cordiality, particularly loving speech, loving-kindness in thought, sharing of benefits, common morality, and common right view, played significant roles in reducing tension, building trust, encouraging mutual listening, and restoring community relationships, leading to reconciliation and sustainable political conflict management.