INTEGRATING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO PROMOTE THE POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OF THE PEOPLE IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the level of political ideology of people in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, 2) study the relationship between the four principles of social ideology and political ideology of people in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, and 3) present the integration of Buddhist principles to promote political ideology of people in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality. The research methodology was a mixed-methods quantitative research using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.951 from a sample group of 400 people aged 18 years and over in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality. Data were analyzed using statistics, frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. Data was analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

          The results of the research found that 1) The level of political ideology of people in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality was at a high level overall
(  = 3.99, S.D. = 0.70). 2) The relationship between the four principles of social ideology and political ideology of people in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality was positive. At a low level (R=0.157**) with statistical significance at 0.01, the research hypothesis is accepted. 3) Integrating Buddhist principles to promote political ideology of people in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality according to the four principles of social welfare: 1) Charity, providing assistance to people with generosity, without discrimination, sacrificing time and physical effort for the benefit of the public. 2) Polite speech, using polite, neutral words and creating mutual understanding. 3) Atthachariya, acting for the benefit of the public, helping and supporting each other in the community. 4) Samatta, behaving appropriately according to one's position, providing services without discrimination, treating people equally, without discrimination based on status, relationship or political opinion.