APPLICATION OF BUDDHADHAMMA PRINCIPLES FOR PROMOTING THE ROLE OF LOCAL POLITICIANS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT CHAKKARAT SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the level of opinions on the role of local politicians in community development. 2. To study the relationship between the role of local politicians and Bala 4 principle, 3. To present the application of Buddhadhamma for promoting the role of local politicians for community development, conducted by the mixed research methods.  The quantitative research, data were collected by using questionnaire from 354 samples who were the people who had the right to vote at Chakkarat Sub-District Municipality, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation the hypothesis using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. The qualitative research using in-depth interviews Including Buddhist scholars, representatives of local rulers, and political science academicians, totaling 9 key informants. Data were analyzed using descriptive content interpretation.

The results of the research were found that 1. The level of opinions on the role of local politicians in community development at Chakrat Sub-District Municipality was at a high level ( =4.13) when classified into each aspect,  the aspect with the highest average was the ideal role aspect ( =4.16), followed by the element of the role that the person understands or perceives ( =4.12), were the elements with the highest average. The least average was the role that was expressed ( =4.12). 2. The relationship between the role of local politicians and Bala 4 principle were at a high level (r= 0 .778**) 3. Application of Buddhadhamma principles to promote the role of local politicians in community development according to Bala 4 principle, namely, Panyabala; ability having knowledge and ability in the work that was done accurately causing the community to be developed continuously. Viriyabala; being diligent in responsible work by determining to create, learn, be diligent, and grow the community efficiently. Anavatjabala; working with honesty. There was transparency in management and adhering to what was right; Sangahabala; being kind and friendly to people and knew how to help people when people were having difficulty, learning to help and be generous to each other.