NEW POLITICAL LEADERSHIP MODEL OF THE CHOKCHAI SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the new political leadership model of the Chokchai Subdistrict Municipality Executive Committee, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2) compare opinions toward this leadership model based on personal factors; and 3) propose the application of Buddhist principles to promote the model. A mixed-methods research design was used. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 9 key informants, while quantitative data were gathered from 382 eligible voters using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.775. Data analysis included percentage, mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing (t-test and F-test).

The results showed that

1) the overall level of the new political leadership model was high. The highest-rated aspect was administrative ability, followed by visionary leadership, while public participation received the lowest rating.

2) Hypothesis testing revealed that citizens with different ages, occupations, and educational levels held significantly different opinions at the 0.05 level.               3) Regarding the application of Buddhist principles, it was found that the "Four Brahmavihara" should be integrated into administration: loving-kindness (Metta) for the people, compassion (Karuna) for those affected by issues, sympathetic joy (Mudita) for the people's happiness, and equanimity (Upekkha) to remain neutral amidst political attacks. These principles will help leaders cooperate with all groups and manage local interests effectively.