THE APPLICATION OF THE BUDDHADHAMMA FOR PEOPLE'S POLITICAL TRUST TOWARDS POLITICAL PARTIES IN LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1. study political trust of people toward political parties in Loei Province 2. study factors affecting political trust of people toward political parties in Leoi Province and 3. present an application of Bhuddhadhamma to promote political trust of people toward political parties in Loei Province by using mixed-methods research. The qualitative research uses in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions. Quantitative research uses questionnaires to collect data from a sample group of 400 eligible voters in Loei Province. The data are analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analyses.

Findings of the research found that 1. political trust of people toward political parties in Leoi province in the overall was in a high level ( =3.84, S.D.=0.72) 2. factors affecting political trust of the people towards political parties in Loei Province found that the factors concerning political refinement and an application of Bhuddhadhamma had a positive relationship with political trust of the people toward political parties in Loei Province with statistical significance at 0.01 level and 3. an application of Bhuddhadhamma in political parties according to the principle of Apirukhan had regular meetings with an orderly meeting system, adhered to the law, respected elders and local wisdom, promoted women's rights, worked with other organizations, and supported good people entering politics. However, there were still limitations in monitoring meeting resolutions, public participation, and tangible evaluations.