Integrating Buddhist Principles to Promote Political Leadership of Local Politicians in Wiang Ka Long Sub-District Municipality Wiang Pa Pao District Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of local leadership in Wiang Kalong Subdistrict Municipality, 2) compare the opinions of the public on local leadership in Wiang Kalong Subdistrict Municipality, and 3) propose guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles to promote local leadership in Wiang Kalong Subdistrict Municipality. This is mixed-methods research. The research instrument was a questionnaire, with a sample size of 380 people. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. Data was then analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research findings revealed that:

1. The overall political leadership of local politicians, across all four aspects, had a high mean score (x̄ = 3.81). When categorized by item, religion, arts and culture, traditions, and local wisdom ranked first, showing a high level of satisfaction with a mean score (x̄ = 3.84).
2. A comparison of public opinion categorized by personal factors showed that people with different genders and incomes had significantly different opinions on local leadership at the .05 statistical significance level. Therefore, the research hypothesis is accepted. While people of different ages, educational levels, and occupations did not have statistically significant differences in their opinions regarding local leadership, this led to the rejection of the research hypothesis on this issue.
3. The approach to integrating Buddhist principles to promote political leadership among local politicians is divided into four main areas: infrastructure, quality of life promotion, community organization, and religion, arts, and culture. This is driven through the three principles of Papaniikadhamma, which consist of: 1) Chakkhuma, emphasizing visionary leadership, foresight, appreciation of cultural heritage, and proactive, sustainable development planning; 2) Vithuro, aiming to strengthen leaders based on knowledge, empirical data analysis, understanding of laws, and administrative regulations; 3) Nissayasampanno, emphasizing cooperative leadership, building networks with religious institutions, local scholars, and public participation.