Application of The Principle of Morality to Promote Aparticipatory Political Culture of the People in Muang Mo Subdistric, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aims to 1) examine the level of participant political culture among citizens, 2) compare citizens’ participant political culture according to their personal factors, and 3) propose the application of Vuḍḍhi-dhamma to promote participatory political culture among citizens in Mueang Mor subdistrict, Mueang Phrae district, Phrae province. In quantitative research phase, the data were collected from 376 participants, selected by using Taro Yamane’s formula with a 0.05 level of precision. In qualitative phase, the data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. The finalized questionnaire were used to collect data from citizens. The data were then analyzed using a statistical program for social sciences. The appropriate statistical techniques were employed to address the research objectives.

          The results were as follows:

1. The overall level of participatory political culture among citizens was at a high level.
2. The comparison of citizens’ participatory political culture, classified by their personal factors, indicated that citizens with different ages, educational levels, occupations, and monthly incomes had significantly different opinions toward the promotion of participatory political culture at a significant level of 0.05; therefore, the research hypothesis was accepted. However, no significant difference was found by gender; thus, the hypothesis related to gender was rejected.
3. The application of Vuḍḍhi-dhamma to promote participatory political culture among citizens was as follows. (1) In terms of Sappurisasaṁseva (association with good persons), promoting high-quality political participation among citizens requires knowledge of civic rights and duties as a fundamental foundation, which enables citizens to participate effectively in political processes. (2) In terms of Saddhammassavana (hearing the good teaching), citizens’ participation is conducted appropriately and credibly, with legal information mainly communicated through community loudspeaker broadcasts and village meetings. (3) In terms of Yonisomanasikāra (analytical reflection), the emphasis is placed on encouraging citizens to participate in meetings to deliberate on local ordinances and regulations in a comprehensive manner. The main criteria for consideration include feasibility and potential environmental impacts. (4) In terms of Dhammānudhammapaṭipatti (practice in accord with the Dhamma), promoting citizens’ participation in proposing opinions and recommendations regarding the formulation of local ordinances and regulations is vital, particularly on issues related to resource management and environmental cleanliness.