POLITICAL MODERNIZATION AFFECTING PEOPLE’S DECISION MAKING IN ELECTION OF EXECUTIVES AND MEMBERS OF THE SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the general condition, 2. To study factors affecting people’s decisions in the election, and 3. To propose the application of Buddhist principles to reduce conflicts due to political modernization relating to people's decisions in the election of executives and members of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization Phetchabun Province, conducted by the mixed research methods. The qualitative research collected darta from 400 voters from every district in Phetchabun Province using questionnaires and in-depth interview script as tools for data collection. The questionnaire was both open-ended and closed-ended. Data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The analytical statistics were simple linear regression analysis.

The results showed that 1. General condition of political modernization that affected people's decisions, attitudes, beliefs, political values in a way that had personal relationship, kinship system, patronage system. 2. Factors affecting people's decisions indicated that the family institution and friends were at high level. 3. Applying the Saraniyadhamma 6 principle could reduce overall conflicts at a high level, especially wishfull thinking toward one anothers with kindness.