THE BALADHAMMA APPLICATION TO PROMOTE POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS AT CHO HAE SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT IN PHRAE PROVINCE

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aims to 1. examine the level of political knowledge and understanding of local administrators in Cho Hae subdistrict, Mueang district, Phrae province, 2. investigate Bala principles affecting their political knowledge and understanding, and 3. propose the application of Bala principles to enhance political knowledge and understanding. The quantitative data were collected from 379 participants using questionnaire and then analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression. The qualitative data were gathered from 10 key informants using in-depth interviews and analyzed by using descriptive content analysis.

The findings were as follows: 1. The level of political knowledge and understanding of local administrators was at a high level. 2. Bala principles affecting political knowledge and understanding of local administrators were as follows: Saṅgaha-bala: (β = .505), which demonstrated a relatively strong positive influence on the political knowledge and understanding of local administrators in both their professional duties and communal coexistence; Viriya-bala (β = .335), which showed a moderate positive influence on political knowledge and understanding, particularly in knowledge acquisition and self-development; and Anavajja-bala (β = .152), which indicated a relatively low positive influence on political knowledge and understanding, particularly by encouraging careful consideration and decision-making on political issues. The variables can collectively predict 76.0% of the variance. However, Paññā-bala: has no significant effect on political knowledge and understanding of local administrators in
Cho Hae subdistrict, as the public places greater importance on economic than political ones. 3. Bala principles play a significant role: Paññā-bala enhances accurate knowledge and understanding of political and administrative systems; Viriya-bala strengthens commitment to self-development and fulfillment of duties for community benefit; Anavajja-bala promotes integrity, transparency, and good governance; and Saṅgaha-bala fosters cooperation, social cohesion, and public participation. The four principles are synthesized into TRESF Model (The Four Bases of Power: Rights & Liberties, Equity, Sovereignty, and Fraternity), representing a framework for applying Bala principles to sustainably enhance political knowledge and understanding among local administrators.