Integration of Principles of Buddhism in the Participatory Governance by Local Administrative Organization of Muen Wai Sub-district, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to study on the level of people’s
participation to the local governance by the sub-district administrative organization of
Muen Wai, Meuang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; and to study on the
integration of Buddhist principles to the governance by the organization. This research
uses mixed methodology. The quantitative research is the questionnaire survey that
uses 375 samples living in the areas under the governance of the organization,
randomly selected. The qualitative research incorporates in-depth interviews and
workshops with 2 Buddhist monks, and 16 governors and staff members of sub-district
administrative organization, community leaders and the locals. The research findings
indicate that the mean of the overall participation is 3.14 or in moderate level because
the organization allows the locals to participate in the governance, but, as urban
people, they focus on their benefits. The locals also participate by voting for
organization members and the operations related to their benefits. It is also
discovered that the integration should emphasize on the adjustment of mindsets and
identities of the governors and the locals by implementing the participatory
governance and the observance to the principles of Buddhism, such as the 7 Rules to
Avoid Indecency and the 3 Core Principles.