Factors Affecting the Decision to Elect the Mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: The election of the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization is an important mechanism in promoting local government in Thailand. It is a process in which people have the opportunity to participate in decision-making and express their needs through the selection of the most suitable representative to manage resources and develop the local area for the maximum benefit of the community. (1) The level of opinion on the factors affecting the decision to elect the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province; (2) The factors affecting the decision to elect the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province; and (3) Recommendations on the factors affecting the decision to elect the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province.

Research methodology: Quantitative research was used. The sample consisted of 355 eligible voters in the Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province. The samples were randomly selected using Taro Yamane’s formula, proportional random sampling, and simple random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire with a reliability value of .914. The statistics used for data analysis were percentage, mean, frequency, standard deviation, and logistic regression analysis.

Results of the study: (1) The level of opinions on factors affecting the decision to elect the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province was found to be at a high level overall. (2) The factors affecting the decision to elect the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province were found to be in terms of the policies of the candidates. In terms of the knowledge and abilities of the candidates, their economic status, society, and reputation, they can jointly predict 50.12 percent with statistical significance at the .05 level. (3) Suggestions on factors affecting the decision to elect the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province, found that the policies proposed by the candidates should reflect the needs and problems that occur in the area. The Subdistrict Administrative Organization has experience in management, problem-solving skills, working with others, and understanding the needs of the people. It helps society. It has an honest, transparent, and responsible image. It should avoid methods that create conflict or dissatisfaction among the people in each community. It should use a variety of media in the campaign, such as public meetings, posters, and online media. The canvassers should be credible people who can listen to the problems and complaints of the people. The candidates should present policies or problems that should be solved to motivate people to vote for them. They should build good relationships with the people through meetings and discussions, and seriously participate in community activities.

Conclusion: The level of opinion on the factors affecting the decision to elect the mayor of Dong Duan Subdistrict Administrative Organization is at a high level. The important factors include policies, knowledge, abilities, economic status, society, and reputation, which can be predicted at 50.12 percent. The policies should meet the needs of the area. They have management skills, are honest and transparent, avoid conflicts, and use a variety of media. And build serious relationships with the people.