DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL PERCEPTION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL STUDENTS AT AMPAWA DISTRICT IN SAMUT SONGKRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. examine the level of political knowledge and understanding of democracy; 2. investigate factors influencing political knowledge and understanding of democracy; and 3. present the political knowledge and understanding of democracy among secondary school students in Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province. The study employed a mixed-methods research design. For the quantitative component, the population consisted of 594 secondary school students in Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province. The sample size of 240 students was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. For the qualitative component, 12 key informants, including monks and laypersons, were selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using an interview guide and analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

Findings were as follows: 1. the overall level of political knowledge and understanding in a democratic system was high ( = 3.85, S.D. = 0.74). 2. Political socialization and the Buddhist principle leading to right view significantly influenced all aspects of political knowledge and understanding in a democratic system at the 0.05 and 0.01 levels, and 3. The political knowledge and understanding of secondary school students in Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province indicated that Paratoghosa, the ability to listen to the voices of others enabled students to consider diverse opinions, analyze and synthesize information carefully and without bias; and Yoniso manasikara wise reflection enabled analytical, reasoned, and neutral thinking that allowed students to identify real problems and apply analytical outcomes beneficially for themselves and society under a democratic system, fostering peaceful and equitable coexistence.