LOCAL POLITICS AND PROMOTING PEOPLE'S ACCESS TO WELFARE OF THE STATE IN HUA THALE MUNICIPALITY NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study local politics and the promotion of public access to state welfare in Hua Thale Municipality, Nakhon Ratchasima Province        2) compare public opinions on welfare access based on personal factors and          3) propose guidelines for applying Buddhist principles to improve welfare access. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 397 participants using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.892. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing (t-test and F-test).  The results showed that :

1) local politics and the promotion of access to state welfare were overall at a high level. The highest-rated aspect was access to elderly living allowances, followed by educational welfare, while housing welfare received the lowest rating. 2) Comparative analysis revealed that citizens with different ages, occupations, and incomes held significantly different opinions at the 0.05 level.                    3) Regarding the application of Buddhist principles, it was found that "Sangahavatthu 4" (The Four Bases of Social Unity) should be implemented: giving (Dana) thorough information, using kindly speech (Piyavaca), providing public service (Atthacariya) to help the needy, and maintaining even-mindedness (Samanattata) in fair welfare distribution. These principles will help create equality and sustainably improve the quality of life for the citizens.