BUDDHADHAMMA APPLICATION FOR PROMOTING VOTER PARTICIPATION IN RAIMAI SUBDISTRICT AT SAMROIYOT DISTRICT IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN PROVINCE

Abstract

This mixed-methods research aimed to 1) examine the level of electoral participation among citizens in Rai Mai Subdistrict, Sam Roi Yot District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province 2) investigate the factors influencing electoral participation among citizens in the same area and 3) propose the application of Buddhist principles to promote electoral participation. The quantitative sample consisted of 358 citizens aged 18 years and above residing in Rai Mai Subdistrict, while 9 key informants were selected for the qualitative study. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and F-test through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The findings revealed that        1) the overall level of electoral participation among citizens was at a high level 2) the factors influencing electoral participation showed a relatively high positive correlation (R = 0.812) with statistical significance at the 0.001 level and 3) the application of Buddhist principles to promote electoral participation involved integrating the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipāda 4). Positive attitudes and trust in the political system influenced citizens’ willingness to vote. Public campaigns, voter education, and collaboration among various sectors encouraged civic participation. At the same time, awareness of civic duty, access to accurate information, and convenience in voting were key factors affecting turnout. Electoral decision-making should be based on morality, credibility, and policy considerations of candidates to ensure the selection of qualified representatives and to strengthen democratic governance.