DRUG PREVENTION MECHANISMS ACCORDING TO BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES IN BANG KRACHAO SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG SAMUT SAKHON DISTRICT, SAMUT SAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

The research on “Mechanism for Designing Drug Prevention Activities Based on Buddhist Principles in Bang Krachao Sub-district, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province” aimed to 1) analyze the impact of drug problems on the people, 2) develop a mechanism for designing activities, and 3) drive the mechanism for drug prevention based on Buddhist principles. This research used a participatory action research (PAR) model with a group of 18 key informants and 21 action participants who were willing to provide information and participate in the activities. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and brainstorming activities, along with practical training. Data was analyzed using content analysis and storytelling.

The research results found that 1) People are affected in their lives, property safety, and social peace, which threatens national security. The crime problem has increased, causing violence and family disunity. Youth, who are the future of the nation, are severely affected.  2) Developing a drug prevention mechanism based on Buddhist principles, including raising awareness, continuously monitoring networks, developing strength in communities, and applying Buddhist principles, such as the 5 precepts to control behavior, the 4 bases of success, the 4 social virtues to develop relationships and help each other, and the To Be Number One project, which focuses on preventing and solving drug problems. 3) Driving the drug prevention mechanism, communities are seriously involved, sincere leaders give everyone an opportunity to think and act, build trust, continuously exchange knowledge, increase potential within the community, stimulate and motivate the expansion of networks of local organizations to cope with problems and solve them together.

This research reflects that the development of drug prevention based on Buddhist principles is an approach that emphasizes the application of Dhamma principles to prevent and solve drug problems sustainably.