THE INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL POLITICIANS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EDUCATIONAL PARK WITHIN A TEMPLE IN LOEI MUNICIPALITY, LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1. examine the political participation of local politicians, 2. identify factors affecting their participation, and 3. propose guidelines for promoting such participation in developing the Temple-Based Education Park in Loei Municipality, Loei Province, by applying the Seven Principles of Aparihaniyadhamma. This qualitative research collected data from 25 key informants, including 5 Buddhist scholars or practitioners, 4 political science scholars or practitioners, 10 local politicians, and 6 community leaders. The research instrument was a structured in-depth interview guide, and data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research findings revealed that: 1. The political participation of local politicians in participatory area management remained superficial and lacked sustainability, primarily due to overlapping authority and government budgetary constraints, with evaluations focusing on short-term physical outcomes rather than social impacts. 2. Factors affecting political participation included a top-down policy communication approach, ritualistic public hearing forums that failed to include youth or vulnerable groups, and centralized decision-making power susceptible to patronage systems; and 3. To promote political participation through the Seven Principles of Aparihaniyadhamma, it is recommended that these principles be elevated into a social institution, such as a Community Charter or local ordinances with concrete indicators. This should be supported by Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to decentralize power to local committees, alongside the implementation of two-way digital communication platforms and civic monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and equal participation for all citizen groups.