BUDDHADHAMMA INTEGRATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF UTHAI THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this research papers were: 1. To study environmental management in Uthai Thani Province; 2. To study the factors affecting environmental management in Uthai Thani Province; and 3. To present the integration of Buddhist principles to promote environmental management in Uthai Thani Province. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The population consisted of residents of Uthai Thani Province, with a sample size of 399 people determined using Yamane's formula. Eighteen key informants were selected. The research instruments included a questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.964 and structured in-depth-interviews scripts tailored to the research objectives. Data were collected personally with a 100% return rate. The data were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and the results were confirmed through focus group discussions.

The research findings revealed that: 1. By overall, environmental management in Uthai Thani Province was at a moderate level (= 3.25). When considered by aspect, one aspect was at a high level, ranked in order of mean: sustainable natural resources and environment. Two aspects were at a moderate level: conservation and restoration of natural resources, and regarding energy efficiency, respectively. 2. Factors affecting environmental management in Uthai Thani Province was found that 1) Management significantly impacted environmental management in Uthai Thani Province at the 0.01 statistical level. 2) The Sappaya 4, Four Sappaya Principles, significantly impacted environmental management in Uthai Thani Province at the statistically significant levels at 0.01 and 0.05. 3. Integration of Buddhist principles for promoting environmental management in Uthai Thani Province was found that Uthai Thani Province integrated Sappaya 4 into the management of natural resources and the environment of the province. In addition, it was integrated with management principles to promote environmental management in Uthai Thani Province, comprising: sustainable natural resources and environment, conservation and restoration of natural resources, and energy efficiency, to achieve sustainable success.