ACTORS AFFECTING THE PRESERVATION OF COMMUNITY DEMOCRACY: A CASE STUDY OF KUANRU COMMUNITY, RATTAPHUM DISTRICT, SONGKHLA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to study the factors affecting the maintenance of community democracy bases in Khuan Ru Subdistrict. A qualitative research method was used, involving data collection from documents and field data collection through in-depth interviews and group discussions with a sample of 50 people. The study found that the factors affecting the maintenance of community democracy bases are divided into two main categories: 1. Internal community factors, which include four key elements: 1) Personal and leadership aspects: These are the foremost factors weakening community democracy, resulting from the transition of three types of leadership comprising local leaders, community leaders, and civic leaders. 2) Group and organizational aspects: There are four significant elements here, including the national aggregate economy, rapidly changing society impacting public beliefs, the threat of COVID-19, and social and cultural aspects. 3) Governance institutions: This refers to the stagnation of local governance mechanisms and threats from national political mechanisms. 4) Social and cultural factors involve social changes that reduce community participation in communal activities. 2. External community factors, which include four key elements: 1) Political aspects: National political phenomena that bring changes and impact local governance and the entire structural system. 2) Economic aspects: Government policies affecting local communities, especially agricultural policies. 3) Social and cultural aspects: Rapid global changes affecting social structures at all levels. 4) Threats from the COVID-19 pandemic: leading to a complete halt in all dimensions of community society.