The Process of Enhancing Active Citizenship for Political Participation through Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Case Study of Paklok Subdistrict Municipality, Thalang District, Phuket Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to achieve the following three objectives: 1) To examine and analyze the contextual factors, problems, and essential needs related to fostering political participation among citizens in Pa Khlok Subdistrict, as well as to explore relevant concepts and theoretical frameworks pertaining to political engagement and awareness enhancement; 2) To investigate the Buddhist peaceful means that support and facilitate the development of citizens' political awareness; and 3) To design and propose a structured process for enhancing active citizenship for political participation through Buddhist peaceful means within the municipal framework of Pa Khlok Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, employing a research process structured around nine steps in alignment with the Noble Truths (Ariyasacca) Model. Data were collected from 30 key informants, selected based on their relevance and expertise, and were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques.

The findings of the study revealed the following: 1) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Obstacles of the Pa Khlok Subdistrict Municipality can be categorized as follows: In terms of strengths, the municipality has active volunteer groups engaged in community service who are widely respected. The municipal leadership emphasizes participatory development, focusing on strengthening the role of the elderly within the community. Local residents possess the knowledge and ability to contribute to local development. Religious institutions serve as spiritual centers and play a key role in driving development and addressing social issues. There is also encouragement and support for public participation in municipal activities. In terms of weaknesses, there is a lack of new-generation leaders engaged in social work, and collaboration among local leaders lacks unity, with individuals working in isolation. Social bonds among relatives and community members have weakened. There is a decline in local pride and mutual care among the population. In terms of opportunities, government policies support education and the use of information technology in teaching and learning. Legislation, regulations, and legal frameworks promote local development aligned with the needs of the people, ensuring equity and inclusiveness. In terms of obstacles, existing laws and regulations are outdated and not responsive to current changes. Many are centrally imposed and are often not adaptable to local problem-solving. The presence of a diverse migrant population leads to cultural, traditional, and lifestyle differences, which can hinder development. There is a general lack of order and local ownership, with individuals leading separate lives disconnected from a sense of community. Concepts for Enhancing Active Citizenship include five key learning approaches: Participatory learning, Experiential or hands-on learning, Learner-centered education, Non-directive learning (not imposing opinions), and Politically neutral learning (not favoring any political groups). 2) The Buddhist peaceful means supporting the process of enhancing active citizenship in political participation include the Four Principles of Saṅgahavatthu (Bases of Social Solidarity), which serve as ethical guidelines for nurturing compassion and mutual support. These principles foster unity and cooperation within society and consist of the following: Dāna (Generosity), which is the practice of giving, sharing, and selfless contribution for the benefit of others; Piyavācā (Kind Speech), which is speaking with politeness, empathy, encouragement, and using language that fosters understanding, harmony, and goodwill; Atthacariyā (Beneficial Conduct), which is an engagement in actions that directly benefit others and contribute to the well-being of the community; and Samānattatā (Impartiality or Equal Treatment), which is maintaining consistency in behavior, treating others with fairness and equality. Additionally, the Threefold Wisdom (Paññā) is also foundational in this process. It includes: Sutamayapaññā, referring to wisdom gained through listening or learning from others; Cintāmayapaññā, referring to wisdom developed through reasoning and reflection; and Bhāvanāmayapaññā, referring to wisdom cultivated through meditative practice and training. 3) The Process of political participation to enhance active citizenship through Buddhist peaceful means in Pa Khlok Subdistrict Municipality, Thalang District, Phuket Province is implemented through the "PAKLOK MODEL", which incorporates the following key principles: "P" stands for Participation, which is the emphasis on inclusive engagement and active involvement of citizens in political and community processes; "A" stands for Action, which is the focus on practical implementation through appropriate learning activities and civic engagement initiatives; "K" stands for Knowledge, which is promoting a well-rounded conceptual understanding and comprehensive learning across multiple dimensions; "L" stands for Learning, which is utilizing five distinct learning approaches to deepen citizens' understanding and skills; "O" stands for Output, which is the cultivation of desirable skills and behaviors, particularly a public-minded spirit and volunteerism; "K" stands for Knowledge by Buddhist peaceful means, which refers to knowledge grounded in Buddhist principles, specifically the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (Saṅgahavatthu) and the Threefold Wisdom (Paññā).