Dynamics and Antecedent Factors Influencing the Development of Political Culture in a Democratic System of Local Politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province During the Digital Age

Abstract

This research aimed to examine: 1) the perception of information through social media in a democratic system; 2) political participation in a democratic system; 3) the principles of good governance in a democratic system; 4) political culture in a democratic system; 5) factors affecting political culture in a democratic system; and 6) problems, obstacles, and guidelines for the development of political culture in a democratic system.  The sample group consisted of 269 local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province, selected using Yamane’s formula. In addition, 16 key informants were purposively selected. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and structured interviews. The statistical methods employed for data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis testing was conducted using stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The research findings indicated that

1. The overall level of perception of information through social media in a democratic system among local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province in the digital era was found to be high.


2. The overall level of political participation in a democratic system among local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province in the digital era was found to be high.


3. The overall level of adherence to the principles of good governance in a democratic system among local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province in the digital era was found to be high.


4. The overall level of political culture in a democratic system among local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province in the digital era was found to be high.


5. The factors affecting the development of democratic political culture among local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu during the digital era were found to have statistically significant relationships at the 0.01 level in two aspects: information perception through social media and good governance principles. These findings indicate that both variables are the most suitable and effective predictors influencing the development of democratic political culture among local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province in the digital era, with a predictive power of 54.50 percent.


6. The results of the analysis of problems, obstacles, and guidelines for the development of political culture in a democratic system among local politicians in Nong Bua Lamphu Province in the digital era indicated that political culture in a democratic system has tended to become more open and transparent through the use of digital technologies to enhance communication and public participation. However, several challenges remain, including a limited and superficial understanding of democracy, patron–client systems, the use of media for popularity-seeking purposes, the spread of misinformation, and digital inequality. Therefore, it is recommended that the knowledge and ethical standards of local politicians be strengthened, power centralization be reduced, public participation be expanded, and digital technologies be utilized transparently in order to promote a strong and sustainable local democracy.