PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN IMPROVING WATER SUPPLY QUALITY BASED ON THE FOUR PRINCIPLES OF IDDHIPĀDA IN BANG LAMUNG DISTRICT, CHONBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to study public participation in improving the quality of tap water based on the Four Paths of Accomplishment (Iddhipada 4) in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. 2) to compare public participation in improving the quality of tap water based on the Four Paths of Accomplishment among people in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province and 3) to propose guidelines for public participation in improving the quality of tap water based on the Four Paths of Accomplishment in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. This study employed a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative research was conducted with a sample of 400 people using questionnaires, while the qualitative research involved interviews with five key informants. The statistical methods used included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, qualitative data were analyzed using contextual content analysis.

          The research findings revealed that: 1) Overall, public opinion toward participation in improving tap water quality based on the Four Paths of Accomplishment was at a moderate level. The ranking of mean scores from highest to lowest was participation in receiving benefits, decision-making, monitoring and evaluation, and planning. 2) The comparison results showed that people with different levels of education, occupations, and incomes had significantly different opinions regarding public participation in improving tap water quality based on the Four Paths of Accomplishment at the 0.05 level, while people with different genders and ages showed no significant differences. 3) The recommendations for enhancing public participation in improving tap water quality based on the Four Paths of Accomplishment are as follows (1) In decision-making, public hearings should be organized to gather opinions, and information about plans should be disclosed for transparency and to create a sense of involvement. (2) In planning, community representatives should be invited to participate in preparing work plans to ensure they meet actual needs, with prior information provided on plans, timelines, and potential impacts. (3) In receiving benefits, public participation should be promoted in terms of awareness and utilization of the benefits from water quality improvement and (4) In monitoring and evaluation, a joint committee should be established with public representatives, along with mechanisms to receive feedback to assess public satisfaction.