BUDDHAMMA APPLICATION FOR PROMOTING PUBLIC SERVICE RENDERING OF LOCAL POLITICAL LEADERS AT WAT PRADUE SUB-DISTRICT IN AMPAWA DISTRICT OF SAMUT SONGKRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research were: 1. Study the level of public service provided by local political leaders; 2. Examine the relationship between the principles of Sanghahavatthu Dhamma and the public service provided by local political leaders; and 3. Propose the application of Sanghahavatthu Dhamma to enhance public service by local political leaders in Wat Pradu Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative research involved a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.962, collecting data from a sample of 339 individuals. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Qualitative research collected data through in-depth interviews with nine key informants, employing descriptive content analysis.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of public service provided by local political leaders is high ( =3.76). 2. The principles of Sanghahavatthu Dhamma (principles of social welfare) have a statistically significant positive correlation with the public service provided by local political leaders at the 0.01 level. However, the correlation is low (R=399**), thus the hypothesis is accepted. 3. The application of Buddhist principles to promote public service by local political leaders in Wat Pradu Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, revealed that: Generosity (Dāna), showing kindness and compassion; Pleasant speech, speaking respectfully, with kindness and sincerity; opening easily accessible communication channels, communicating through social media such as telephone and LINE groups for villagers to report problems; Beneficial conduct, helping the public; local leaders actively participating in activities, encouraging participation, building cooperation from the public, and creating a positive image; and Equality, being consistent, non-discriminatory, providing equal opportunities, building trust, being transparent, and working diligently.