THE FACTORS AFFECTING POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF ETHNIC GROUP IN PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

Abstract

The research objectives encompassed three main areas: 1) exploring the political participation of an ethnic group, 2) investigating the factors influencing political participation, and 3) proposing recommendations to enhance political participation among the ethnic group residing in Payao province. A mixed-method approach was employed as the research methodology. The study population consisted of 23,293 individuals belonging to the ethnic group residing in Payao province. The sample size of 394 participants was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, employing a simple random sampling technique. The data collection instruments included a questionnaire and an interview guide. The questionnaire demonstrated high reliability with a coefficient of .95. The interview data were analyzed using content analysis, while statistical analyses such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression were applied to the quantitative data.

The findings of the study revealed that overall, the political participation of the ethnic group in Payao province was at a moderate level (mean = 2.72). Examining each aspect individually, all three aspects were found to be at a moderate level, with one aspect scoring slightly lower. Public contact (mean = 2.95) displayed the highest level of participation, followed by election ballot (mean = 2.86) and election campaign (mean = 2.64). The lowest mean was observed in the aspect of cooperative activity or involvement in social and political groups (mean = 2.43). The analysis of factors influencing political participation indicated that political psychology and the political environment significantly impacted the political participation of the ethnic group in Payao province, accounting for 29.5% of the variance at a statistically significant level of .05. To enhance political participation among the ethnic group, it is recommended to focus on four key aspects, namely: promoting knowledge and awareness, fostering a proper understanding of democracy, utilizing community empowerment for political engagement and participation