THE BUDDHIST INTEGRATION FOR PROMOTING LIFE QUALITY OF CAMBODIAN LABORS IN CHONBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. to study the quality of life of Cambodian people in Chonburi Province. 2. to study the factors affecting the quality of life of Cambodian people in Chonburi Province. 3. to propose the Buddhist integration for promoting life quality of Cambodian people in Chonburi Province. Methodology was the mixed methods. The Quantitative research, the population consisted of 395 Cambodian residents in Chonburi Province. Data were collected through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The Qualitative research, the key informants included executives of the Cambodian Embassy, representatives of Cambodian laborers in Chonburi Province, scholars or practitioners in Buddhism, and scholars or practitioners in public administration, totaling 18 individuals or monks. Data were collected through structured interviews and a focused group discussion of 10 participants. Content analysis was employed for data interpretation.

Findings were as follows: 1. The quality of life of Cambodian people in Chonburi Province was, overall, at a moderate level.  The Cambodian labors were satisfied with a happy life and a balanced daily life, and they had a positive attitude with confidence in their own economic ability. 2. The promotion of quality of life and Bhavana 4 significantly affected the quality of life of Cambodian residents in Chonburi Province in all aspects at the 0.01 level of significance. Together, they predicted 68.2% of the variance, while Bhavana 4 alone predicted 64.7%.  3 The Buddhist integration to enhance the quality of life of Cambodian people in Chonburi Province was found to result from the integration of quality of life promotion and the Bhavana 4. In terms of life satisfaction, the people experienced greater satisfaction with their living and working conditions. In terms of self-concept, they had positive attitudes toward their organizations and consistently viewed them favorably. In terms of physical health, they maintained good physical well-being. In terms of social and economic aspects, they had sufficient financial liquidity for daily living.