FOACTORS AFFECTING THE VOTING RIGHTS OF PEOPLE IN SILALOI SUBDISTRICT AT SAM ROI YOT DISTRICT IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN PROVINCE BY APPLYING BUDDHADHAMMA

Abstract

This mixed-methods research aimed to: 1)investigate the level of voter turnout among citizens in Sila Loi Sub-district, 2) examine the factors influencing their voting participation, and 3) propose a framework of factors affecting voter turnout by integrating Buddhist principles. The quantitative sample consisted of 348 eligible voters aged 18 and older, with data analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and One-way ANOVA (F-test). The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with 9 key informants, analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

The results of the study revealed that: 1) The overall level of voter turnout among the respondents was high. 2) The contributing factors showed a statistically significant positive correlation with voting participation at the 0.001 level. 3) The integration of the Buddhist principle of Sujarita III (Threefold Righteousness) offers a comprehensive framework to explain voting behaviors across four dimensions: voter turnout, preservation of political rights, support for democracy, and the sustainability of democratic systems. Overall, the results reflect high political awareness and active citizenship in the community, demonstrated by consistent voting behaviors and a strong commitment to democratic principles in both theory and practice.