Integrating Sucarita into the Enhancement of People’s Political Behavior in Election of Candidates for The House of Representatives, Electoral District 1, Phrae Province

การบูรณาการหลักสุจริตธรรมเพื่อส่งเสริมพฤติกรรมทางการเมืองของประชาชนในการเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภาผู้แทนราษฎรเขตเลือกตั้งที่ 1 จังหวัดแพร่

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aimed to 1) study the level of people’s political behavior in the election of candidates for the House of Representatives; 2) investigate the relationship between Sucarita (good conduct) and people’s political behavior; and 3) present guidelines for integrating Sucarita (good conduct) into enhancing people’s political behavior in the election of candidates for the House of Representatives, electoral district 1, Phrae province. The survey research methodologies were employed in this study. The population consisted of 4,400 persons living in Suan Khuean subdistrict, Phrae province. The 367 participants were limited by using Taro Yamane's formula. The data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression. The qualitative data were gathered from 9 key informants by using in-depth interview and then analyzed by using descriptive content analysis. The qualitative findings were presented in descriptive form with grouped frequency table to support quantitative data.

The findings were as follows:

1. Overall, 3 aspects of people’s political behavior in the election of candidates for the House of Representatives and Sucarita (good conduct) were at a high level, (x̅ = 4.13) and (x̅ = 3.95) respectively.
2. 2. The relationship between Sucarita (good conduct) and people’s political behavior in the election of candidates for the House of Representatives was a very strong positive correlation (R = 0.830**).
3. Guidelines for integrating Sucarita(good conduct) into the enhancement of people’s political behavior were as follows. 1) Kàya-sucarita (good conduct in action): people should refuse to receive or distribute any sort of vote-buying products, exercise their right to vote honestly, and choose representatives based on public good, not personal benefit. They should strictly comply with the election law to ensure fairness and transparency, resulting in strong democracy. 2) Vacã-sucarita (good conduct in word): people should criticize politicians or political parties wisely based on reason and evidence, without damaging someone’s reputation. They should truly introduce information about successful candidates and political parties to others by engaging in creative, respectful, and productive dialogue to promote a positive political climate. 3. Mano-sucarita (good conduct in though): people should vote for politicians who have morals, ethics, and ability, regardless of personal interests. They should believe in transparent and fair election processes and exercise their right to vote with honest intentions for the good of the country and society as a whole.