BUDDHIST INTEGRATION FOR PROMOTING PARTICIPATORY POLITICAL CULTURE OF THE PEOPLE AT BANG KHONTHI SUB-DISTRICT OF BANG KHONTHI DISTRICT IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1. To study the level of participatory political culture among the people in Bang Khon Thi Subdistrict, Bang Khon Thi District, Samut Songkhram Province; 2. To study the relationship between the Sammappadhana 4 and political culture; and 3. To propose Buddhist integration to promote political culture. The researcher chose Sammappadhana 4 which are principles of righteous effort, as the framework for analysis because a strong participatory political culture requires the enthusiasm and commitment of the people to abandon political indifference and continuously strive to create good citizenship roles. The research methodology used a mixed methods approach. Quantitative research collected data from a sample of 239 eligible voters, while qualitative research collected data through in-depth interviews with 9 purposefully selected key informants. The data were analyzed using descriptive interpretation.

The research results showed that: 1. The overall level of participatory political culture among the people was high. 2. Sammappadhana 4 had a moderate positive relationship with political culture, indicating that when citizens apply Sammappadhana 4 to their political culture, it led to higher quality politics. 3. A practical approach that built a participatory political culture comprised four aspects: Samvarapadhana; restraint effort, acting as a preventative mechanism to instill good political awareness in citizens; Pahanapathana; acting as a corrective mechanism to address problems or inappropriate political behaviors, Bhavanapadhana; cultivation, playing a role in promoting and developing the potential of community members to possess appropriate political skills; and Anurakkhanapadhana; preservation and enhancement, playing a role in maintaining and building upon positive political behaviors. This practice would help citizens develop strong political immunity, thereby building democracy from the grassroots.