BUDDHADHAMMA INTEGRATION FOR PROMOTING THE COMPETENCE OF AIR AND AVIATION ATHLETES OF THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF THAILAND

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were:1. To examine the competencies of air sports athletes, 2. To investigate the factors affecting the competencies of air sports athletes, and 3. To propose the integration of Buddhist principles to enhance the competencies of air sports athletes under the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), conducted by the mixed-methods research. The quantitative research, data were collected from 385 air sports athletes using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.941. data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The qualitative research, data were collected by interviewing 18 key informants, including executives and personnel of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, air sports athletes, experts in public administration, and Buddhist scholars. Data were analyzed by content descriptive interpretation and a focus group discussion with 10 experts was conducted to validate the findings.

The results revealed that: 1. The overall competency of air sports athletes was at a high level in all dimensions. The dimensions, ranked from the highest to the lowest mean scores, were skills, knowledge, motivation, self-concept, and personal characteristics. 2. The factors that significantly influenced athletes’ competencies at the 0.01 level included systematic management, qualified personnel, and Iddhipāda 4, consisting of Chanda, aspiration or wholehearted commitment, Viriya, perseverance, Citta, focused attention, and Vimamsa, wise investigation. 3. The integration of Iddhipāda 4, the Four Bases of Success, into the development of air sports athletes under the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand effectively enhanced athletes’ competencies by fostering dedication, perseverance, attentiveness, and wisdom in practice, thereby contributing to the effective development of their capabilities and overall performance.