APPLICATION OF BUDDHÃDHÃMMÃ TO PROMOTE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF THE ELDERLY, IN MUEANG DISTRICT, PHETCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research on the application of Buddhist principles to promote political participation of the elderly in Mueang District, Phetchaburi Province, used a mixed-method research methodology: quantitative research, interviewing 393 elderly people in Mueang District, Phetchaburi Province, analyzing data using descriptive statistics, and qualitative research, in-depth interviewing 9 key informants or individuals using a structured in-depth interview form, analyzing data using descriptions. The research results found that 1. The level of political participation of the elderly was found to be at a high level overall (x ̅ = 4.33). When considering each item, it was found that the value change aspect had a high average value (x ̅ = 4.35), followed by the social aspect (x ̅ = 4.33), and the lowest level of physical health (x ̅ = 4.32), respectively. 2. Factors affecting political participation of the elderly found that the principles of the Threefold Training and political participation of the elderly were positively related overall. At a moderate level (r = 0.783**) 3. The application of Buddhist principles to promote political participation of the elderly was found to be at a high level overall (x ̅ = 4.33). For promoting political participation of the elderly, it was found that health was a factor in moving political activities of the elderly; in society, participation in political activities helped motivate the elderly to have a role in politics; and in terms of changing values, the elderly were aware of their rights and duties; community strength; and a high sense of civic duty.