BUDDHIST INTEGRATION TO PROMOTE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNAVCE OF THE PEOPLE IN SISAKET MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To examine the political participation of citizens in democratic form of government in Si Sa Ket Municipality; 2. To investigate the factors affecting citizens' political participation in democratic form of government in Si Sa Ket Municipality; and 3. To propose a Buddhist-integrated approach for promoting citizens' political participation in democratic form of governrnent in Si Sa Ket Municipality, conducted by thew mixed methods research. The qualitative research, data were collected from 18 key informants consisting of academic experts and individuals with relevant expertise, by in-depth-interviews and analyzed using descriptive content intewrpretation. The quantitative research, data were collected from 396 samples using questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.893. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

The research findings revealed that: 1. The level of citizens' political participation in democratic form of government in Si Sa Ket Municipality was high. 2. Political competence and Aparihāniyadhamma had a positive and statistically significant effect on citizens' political participation in democratic form of goverenmenrt in Si Sa Ket Municipality at the 0.01 level. and 3. The proposed Buddhist-integrated approach to promoting citizens' political participation in democratic form of government in Si Sa Ket Municipality consisted of the following seven principles: 1) holding regular meetings for consultation and the exchange of opinions; 2) participating in meetings harmoniously and acting in unity; 3) complying with rules and regulations; 4) respecting and listening to the opinions of elders; 5) refraining from the abuse of power; 6) respecting the nation and public institutions; and 7) providing legitimate protection and justice for all citizens.