INTEGRATING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO PROMOTE DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP AMONG PEOPLE IN THE WAT BUAPHAN COMMUNITY AT THA KHAM SUBDISTRICT AT BANG KHUN THIAN DISTRICT IN BANGKOK

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of democratic citizenship among the people in the Wat Buaphan community, 2) study the factors that influence the promotion of democratic citizenship, and 3) propose guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles to promote citizenship in the community. A mixed-methods research approach was used. Quantitative research involved a sample of 265 people with a reliability coefficient of .915. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. Qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 9 key informants (monks/individuals) and descriptive data analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1. The overall level of democratic citizenship among the people was high. Self-responsibility had the highest average score, followed by respect for the principle of equality. Respect for the rights of others had the lowest average score, but was still at a high level. 2. Factors significantly influencing the promotion of citizenship (p < .01) included not enacting laws outside of the established norms, respecting elders, promoting good conduct, and protecting monks, reflecting the enhancement of civic behavior. 3. The integration of Buddhist principles to promote public participation through meetings, listening to opinions, and transparent joint decision-making, coupled with respect for elders, women's protection, adherence to the principle of equality, and the conservation of historical sites, was successful. And honoring good people, which instills a sense of public spirit, morality, ethics, and good governance, results in community unity, shared responsibility, the strengthening of community institutions, and the ability to maintain a democratic way of life based on morality, peace, and sustainable development.