THE ROLE OF INFORMATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN INFLUENCING LOCAL POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF CITIZENS IN RAHAN SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, LAT LUM KAEO DISTRICT, PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) examine the level of citizens’ participation in local politics and (2) analyze the influence of information and social media on political participation. The research employed a quantitative approach. The population consisted of 7,910 citizens aged 18 years and over residing in Rahaeng Subdistrict Municipality, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province. A sample of 367 individuals was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table. The research instrument was a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, F-test, and multiple regression analysis.

          The study revealed that 1) the overall level of local political participation among citizens was moderate. When considered by dimension, electoral participation was found to be at a high level, while political expression, political assembly, and participation in local political groups were at moderate levels. 2) Regarding the role of information and social media, it was found that local political attitudes, government performance, and political knowledge collectively predicted citizens’ local political participation at 69 percent, with statistical significance at the .05 level.