Buddhist Cultural Technology in Archaeological Sites Related to Political Participation for The Peace of The Electorate Youth in Thailand, Cambodia, and LAO PDR

Abstract

This article is a synthesis of partial knowledge to expand the study results of research entitled Buddhist cultural technology in historical sites in relation to political participation for peace of youth voters in Thailand, Cambodia and Lao people's democratic republic. The research aimed at studying Buddhist cultural technology in historical sites in relation to political participation at Pimai of Thailand, Angkor Watt of Cambodia, and Wat Phu of Lao people's democratic republic which the information was obtained from empirical evidences and presented with strategies of political participation culture of youths in Thailand for sustainable development. The areas of Nakhon Ratchasima province, some parts of Chaiyaphum province, which are Thailand’s famous historical sites and tourist attractions, were selected a case study area. Ethnographical qualitative research methods was used in collecting data from youth Buddhists key informants namely Buddhist monks, local novice philosophers, village heads, and local people. The data were collected by using field surveying to conclude and present to experts in related fields in order to propose strategies of political development for peace in Thailand.

The results indicated that political participation is the key objective of democratic regimes development. This is because political participation is a key indicator of democratic regime. Whether or not the society has high or low democracy level, it can been considered by the level of people’s political participation. Provided that a society has a high level of political participation, the society, thus, has a high level of democracy. On contrary, if a society has a low level of political participation, the society, then, has a low level of democracy.   Moreover, leaders as the essential elements in every aspect of a society from the smallest units such as families, to national level such as working people, ethnic group communities, and public sector valued their roles of leader. Political participation of youth in Thailand is the culture which is far from full political participation. Creating a culture of sustainable political participation must be done at the early stage of life and continue to teenage and adult stage in order to move forward to being the people of quality society. Youths who have freedom of thought would not want to be under the society rules. Thus, this group of people needs to be educated and guided with the right way of creating activities to access political participation culture in order to become Thailand's democratic development towards universal democracy in which civilized countries are now focusing as well as avoid carrying out of coups which could lead to disruption of Thailand’s democratic development to lead Thai society to peace and order.  

            The component analysis results of Buddhist cultural technology of youth voters in relation to political participation found that 1) Buddhist teaching creates and spiritually guides Thai youths to goodness, badness, and true happiness of life as well leads them to brightness and peace. 2) Buddhist paradigm can be adapted in various situations in present days. 3) Sense of open-mind, being far sighted, and pursuing dharma were cultivated in Young Buddhist practice. 4) Youths are given opportunities to learn and understand the form and process of participation.

            The results of this research can determine strategies for political development for peace. In Thailand, Thailand's political-empowerment program for youths.  Students understand and have positive attitudes towards democracy and being a good citizen of the country.