APPLICATION OF BUDDHIST ETHICS PRINCIPLES FOR PROMOTING LOCAL GOVERNANCE OF VILLAGE HEADMEN AND SUB-DISTRICT HEADMEN AT MAE MO SUB-DISTRICT IN MAE MO DISTRICT OF LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of local governance by village headmen and sub-district chiefs in Mae Mo Subdistrict, Mae Mo District, Lampang Province; 2) study the relationship between the Four Noble Truths (Sanghahavatthu 4) and the local governance of village headmen and sub-district chiefs in Mae Mo Subdistrict, Mae Mo District, Lampang Province; and 3) present the application of Buddhist ethics to promote the local governance of village headmen and sub-district chiefs in Mae Mo Subdistrict, Mae Mo District, Lampang Province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative research with a sample population of 388 people, using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.909. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 10 key informants, with data analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

          The research findings revealed:

          1) The overall level of public opinion regarding the local governance of village headmen and sub-district chiefs in Mae Mo Subdistrict, Mae Mo District, Lampang Province was found to be moderate.

          2) The relationship between the Four Noble Truths (Sanghahavatthu 4) and the local governance of village headmen and sub-district chiefs was also examined. The study found that the overall relationship between village heads in Mae Mo Subdistrict, Mae Mo District, Lampang Province and subdistrict heads was positive at a moderate level (R = 0.532**), thus accepting the research hypothesis.

          3) The application of Buddhist ethical principles to promote local governance by subdistrict heads and village heads in Mae Mo Subdistrict, Mae Mo District, Lampang Province revealed that: Dana (giving) – through providing knowledge and supporting the roles of people in the community; Piyavaca (kind speech) – through speaking reasonably and being responsible for one's words; Atthacariya (beneficial conduct) – through building networks and establishing cooperation; Samanattata (non-discrimination) – through providing services to the public equally and rigorously enforcing the law.