DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF YOUTH IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BASED ON BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES, SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1. analyze the approaches for developing political leadership of youth in community development based on Buddhist principles in Samut Songkhram Province, 2. promote the approaches for developing political leadership of youth in community development based on Buddhist principles in Samut Songkhram Province, and 3. propose the approaches for developing political leadership of youth in community development based on Buddhist principles in Samut Songkhram Province. This study was qualitative research, using in-depth interviews with 25 key informants (monks or persons), and data were analyzed by descriptive content analysis.

The research results found that: 1. the balanced development of political leadership among youth consisted of 1.1 equality and fairness, 1.2 flexibility and compromise, 1.3 neutrality, 1.4 empowerment, and 1.5 positive thinking; 2. the development of political leadership among youth for community development through political knowledge development consisted of 2.1 receiving political information with critical consideration, 2.2 participation in political activities, 2.3 understanding of the political system, 2.4 critical thinking, and 2.5 political education and training; and 3. the approaches for promoting the development of political leadership among youth for community development based on Buddhist principles in Samut Songkhram Province employed the Threefold Training (Sikkha), namely morality (Sila), concentration (Samadhi), and wisdom (Panna), as a comprehensive framework encompassing behavior, mind, and intellect. This approach is capable of driving sustainable community development. In addition, the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipada IV), namely Chanda (satisfaction and love in what one does), Viriya (continuous perseverance), Citta (attentiveness and determination), and Vimamsa (careful reflection with wisdom), which form the foundation of success in all undertakings, enable youth to grow into leaders who possess dedication to their work, perseverance, commitment, and wisdom in reflection, thereby leading their communities toward sustainable development.