BUDDHIST METHODS FOR PROMOTING LOCAL POLITIANS' POLITICAL ETHICS IN RAYONG PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research were: 1) Study political ethics, 2) Examine factors affecting the promotion of political ethics, and 3) Propose a Buddhist method to promote the political ethics of local politicians in Rayong Province. A mixed-methods research design was employed. For the quantitative research, data were gathered from a sample of 400 citizens using a questionnaire with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.986. The quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. For the qualitative research, data were collected through structured in-depth interviews with 18 key informants and analyzed using descriptive content analysis, alongside a focus group discussion with 10 participants.

Findings were as follows: 1. The political ethics of local politicians in Rayong Province was overall at a moderate level ( = 3.50), amidst challenges from economic interest influences, patron-client systems, and political competition affecting honesty, courageous decision-making, and public interest consideration. 2. Factors affecting political ethics consisted of two main components with statistical significance at the 0.01 level: political socialization institutions, which could jointly predict political ethics at 23.1%, contributing in the aspects of educational institutions and social groups; and the four virtues for laypeople (Gharavasa-dhamma 4), which could jointly predict political ethics at 10.2%, with Sacca (truthfulness) as the main variable. 3. Guidelines for promoting political ethics based on the four virtues for laypeople comprised: Sacca, focusing on honesty, sincerity, keeping promises, and taking responsibility for pledges given to the public; Thama, promoting firmness in self-control and decision-making based on reasons rather than benefits; Khanti, developing patience, emotional control, and readiness to mindfully listen to diverse opinions or public criticism; and Caga, emphasizing public consciousness, sacrifice of time and physical effort, and aiming to resolve problems primarily for the well-being of the community.