APPLICATION BUDDHADHAMMA FOR PROMOTING POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF LOCAL POLITICIANS IN MUANG MAI SUB-DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION AT AMPHAWA DISTRICT IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. study the level of political leadership of local politicians in the Muang Mai Sub-District Administrative Organization, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province; 2. examine the application of Buddhist principles that influence the enhancement of political leadership; and 3. propose approaches for applying Buddhist principles to develop sustainable political leadership. This study employed a mixed methods design, consisting of both quantitative and qualitative research. The population comprised citizens aged 18 years and over who had the right to vote in Muang Mai Sub-District, totaling 1,872 people. The sample group of 330 people was determined using Yamane’s formula with a margin of error of 0.05. The research instruments included a five-point Likert scale questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.92, and in-depth interviews with ten key informants (monks and laypersons). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as Pearson’s correlation coefficient and content analysis.

Findings were as follows: The results revealed that: 1. the overall level of political leadership among local politicians in the Muang Mai Sub-District Administrative Organization was at a moderate level ( = 3.16, S.D. = 0.27); 2. the principle of Papanika Dhamma showed a positive correlation with political leadership at a statistically significant level, with a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.776**); and 3. the three principles of Papanika Dhamma can be practically applied to strengthen political leadership, particularly by developing general personality traits toward emotional stability, politeness, humility, and decisiveness when necessary; using courteous language and showing respect to colleagues; encouraging creativity and innovative working approaches; paying attention and providing guidance with compassion and equality; and cultivating honesty, integrity, and a clear vision. These qualities help establish moral leadership and public trust in a sustainable manner.