Development of Public Service Quality of Santha Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Na Noi District, Nan Province by Saraniyadhamma Application

Abstract

            This study aimed to: 1. examine the quality of public service delivery by the Santao Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), Nanai District, Nan Province; 2. investigate the relationship between the principles of Saraniya Dhamma (six basic principles of interpersonal conduct in Buddhism) and the quality of public service delivery by the Santao Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO); and 3. propose guidelines for improving the quality of public service delivery by the Santao SAO. The research employed a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. The interview data were analyzed through content analysis and presented in a descriptive format, accompanied by frequency distribution tables.

            The research findings indicated that: 1. The overall quality of public service delivery by the Santao SAO, based on the application of Saraniya Dhamma ( = 3.56), was rated as high. When analyzed by specific areas, the highest mean scores were in the areas of infrastructure ( = 3.84), followed by hygiene ( = 3.76), religion and culture ( = 3.74), economy ( = 3.38), and society and education ( = 3.08). 2. There was a moderate positive relationship between the application of Saraniya Dhamma and the quality of public service delivery (R = 0.521**), which was statistically significant at the 0.01 level. This confirmed the acceptance of the hypothesis. 3. The proposed guidelines for applying the principles of Saraniya Dhamma to improve the quality of public service delivery include: 1) Metta Kaya-kamma (loving-kindness through action) – employees should be proactive and dedicated in their work; 2) Metta Vaci-kamma (loving-kindness through speech) – employees should speak kindly and constructively; 3) Metta Mano-kamma (loving-kindness through thought) – employees should maintain positive thoughts towards colleagues and the public; 4) Sadharana Bhogi (common goods) – use materials and resources efficiently; 5) Sila-samanyata (moral conduct) – employees should act ethically and uphold values of righteousness; 6) Ditthi-samanyata (correct understanding) – employees should listen to others' opinions and act impartially.