BUDDHIST METHODS FOR PROMOTING PEOPLE’S POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were: 1. To study the level of political communication among citizens in Samut Songkhram Province. 2. To examine the relationship between the principle of honest speech and political communication. 3. To present Buddhist methods to enhance political communication. This research employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from a sample of 399 eligible voters using Taro Yamane's formula. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.966 was used, and data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with nine key informants, and analyzed using descriptive methods.

The research findings showed that: 1. The overall level of political communication among the public in Samut Songkhram Province is moderate. 2. The overall correlation between the Four Principles of Honest Speech and political communication is moderate (R=.622**), statistically significant at the 0.01 level. This indicates that applying the Four Principles of Honest Speech in communication leads to polite and responsible communication, resulting in higher quality political exchanges. 3. Four practices that promote effective communication are: 1. Truthfulness: Adhering to the principle of speaking the truth increases information credibility and promotes decision-making based on facts.
2. Non-slanderous speech: Communication aimed at understanding and reconciliation reduces conflict and fosters a political atmosphere conducive to coexistence. 3. Politeness: Using respectful and courteous language facilitates constructive and more accepted exchanges of opinions. 4. Compassionate communication: Communication focused on the common good helps the public recognize the value of information and promotes quality political participation