POLITICAL CULTURE WITH BUDDHIST PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE IN THE ELECTION OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS AT WANG HONG SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY IN MUEANG PHRAE DISTRICT OF PHRAE PROVINCE

Abstract

          The objectives of this study were 1) to study the level of political culture applying Buddhist-oriented participatory of people in the election of local administrators; 2) to compare opinions concerning political culture applying Buddhist-oriented participatory of people in the election of local administrators, classified according to personal factors; and 3) to propose guidelines for promoting political culture applying Buddhist-oriented participatory of  people in the election of local administrators in Wang Hong Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province. The mixed-method research methodology was used in this study. The quantitative data were collected from 400 participants, who were people whose age was greater than 18 living in Wang Hong district, selected by using Taro Yamane sampling technique. The data were analyzed by calculating frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and  One-way ANOVA. The qualitative data were gathered to support the quantitative data by using interviews with 12 key informants.The results were as follows:

          1. In terms of the political culture level applying Buddhist- oriented participatory of people in the election of local administrators in Wang Hong Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province, according to the principles of Aparihaniyatham, overall was at a high level (=3.83). The level of political culture applying Buddhist- oriented participatory of people in the election of local administrators in Wang Hong Municipality, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province overall was at a high level (=3.99).

          2. In terms of people opinions towards political culture applying Buddhist-oriented participatory in the election of local administrators, classified by personal factors, the results indicated that people with different ages and occupations had different opinions towards  political culture applying Buddhist-oriented participatory of people in the election of local administrators of Wang Hong Municipality, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province at a significant level of .05; the hypothesis was accepted.

          3. In terms of the enhancement of political culture applying Buddhist- oriented participatory in the election of local administrators, the results pointed out that 1) There should be a promotion of regular meetings. 2) Unite meeting should be publicized. 3) Compliance with regulations shold be required. 4) Showing the respect for seniors shold be promoted by providing them with opportunity to participate in activities. 5) There should be the promotion of respecting women by giving them equal opportunities to participate in administration. 6) Showing the respect for the workplace shold be encouraged by keeping government property, and 7) Protecting the president while performing tasks shold be valued.  Local and sacred places in the community should also be protected.