CREATING POLITICAL AWARENESS IN DEMOCRACY AMONG YOUTH IN NAKHON PATHOM MUNICIPALITY AT MUEANG DISTRICT IN NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the level of political consciousness in a democratic system among youth in Nakhon Pathom Municipality, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom Province; 2) the relationship between the six Saraniyadhamma principles and political consciousness; and 3) present the integration of Buddhist principles to foster political consciousness in a democratic system among youth in Nakhon Pathom Municipality, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom Province. This mixed-method research utilized a quantitative approach. The sample population consisted of youth aged 18–25 years. A survey-based questionnaire was administered to 359 youth within the Nakhon Pathom Municipality area. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and t-tests and F-tests. Qualitative methods included in-depth interviews with nine key informants, divided into four groups, and conducted step-by-step according to the process.

The results revealed that:

1. The level of political consciousness in a democratic system among youth in Nakhon Pathom Municipality, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom Province, was at the highest level (= 4.51) when considered by each aspect. Three dimensions were ranked at the highest level, with one at the highest level.
2. The relationship between the six principles of public administration and the development of political consciousness in a democratic system among youth in Nakhon Pathom Municipality, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom Province, showed a highly positive relationship (R = 0.852**) with statistical significance at the 0.01 level. Therefore, the hypothesis is accepted.
3. Integrating Buddhist principles to develop political consciousness in a democratic system among youth found that: Metta-kaya (loving kindness), willingly participating in public activities to help the community; Metta-vaci (loving kindness), expressing political opinions with polite and constructive language; Metta-mano (loving kindness), seeking solutions to social problems while taking into account the public good; Satha-pak (public utility), willingness to share personal belongings or resources to support social activities; Sila-samantha (sila-samanyata), avoiding illegal or unethical acts for personal gain; and Ditthi-samantha (ditthi), respecting opinions that differ from one's own and using reason in exchanging opinions.