The Development of Mediation Proces at the Inquiry Stage Based on Buddhist Peaceful Means in Phuket Province

Abstract

The research article consisted of 3 objectives as follows: 1) to study and analyze the mediation situation of inquiry official at Patong police station, Phuket province and 2) to present the mediation process at the inquiry stage based on Buddhist peaceful means in Phuket province. The study applied qualitative method by means of field research. The data was collected through documents and in-depth interviews with 24 key informants consisting of experts on the mediation of the inquiry official, complainants, alleged offenders, including experts on Buddhist mediation. The acquired data were analyzed and interpreted by applying the theories and related literature into consideration. From the study, it was found as follows: 1) The mediation process at the inquiry state of Patong police station follows the Royal Thai Police Regulations on Criteria, Procedures, and Conditions under the Dispute Resolution Act B.E. 2562; 2) The dhammas that are fundamental and supporting the mediation process at the inquiry stage based on the Buddhist peaceful means is “Sati, Khanti, and Santi”. One should have sati or mindfulness in every step of the mediation process as well as having khanti or tolerance in every emotional state that may arise during the mediation process. All of which will lead to the last goal, that is, to have santi or peace with each other. There are 6 steps of the mediation process at the inquiry stage based on the Buddhist peaceful means: 1) Finding suffering by applying Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths); 2) Opening up the vision by applying Piyavācā (kindly speech); 3) Adhering to Sārāṇīyadhamma (states of conciliation) in order to find the issues; 4) Finding solutions together without prejudice; 5) Forgiving; and 6) Follow-up in a peaceful manner