A Study of the Role of Canvassers in Affecting the Election for Mayor of Koh Samui Municipality, Surat Thani Province

Abstract

          Studying the role of canvassers in affecting elections is important. Because canvassers are an intermediary that helps build support and increase a candidate's chances of winning the election. Studying the role of canvassers helps to understand Canvassers' strategies and impact on elections This may lead to improved methods and strategies in future elections.

           The purposes of this research were 1) To study the role of election canvassers in affecting the election for mayor of Koh Samui Municipality, Surat Thani Province; 2) To compare personal factors and the role of election canvassers in affecting the election; and 3) To suggest guidelines for further promoting the election campaign. This research was a quantitative research with a population of 300 election canvassers of mayoral candidates of Koh Samui Municipality, Surat Thani Province. The samples were 172 based on Yamane's formula. The research used a questionnaire as the research tool. The statistical techniques were mean, percentage, standard deviation, t-test, analysis of variance, and correlation coefficient.

          The results of the research found that: 1) The role of election canvasser affecting the election for mayor of Koh Samui Municipality was at an overall moderate level. Each aspect of the role of election canvasser behavior was at a high level and coordination, communication and method utilization aspects were at moderate level respectively; 2) The differences in personal factors, educational level and position, affected attitudes towards the role of election canvasser affecting the election for mayor of Koh Samui Municipality at statistical significant level of .05. However, personal factors such as gender, age, occupation, monthly income, personal relationship with candidates, and communication channels did not affected attitudes towards the election for mayor of Koh Samui Municipality; 3) The guidelines for promoting the election campaign for mayor of Koh Samui Municipality were the systemization of election canvasser process, the clarification of duty, the concrete evaluation, and the competency development of election canvassers

          In summary, opinions about the role of canvassers were at a moderate level. The behavior of the canvassers is evaluated at a high level. As for local coordination, communication, and campaigning methods is at a moderate level In terms of education level and position in the community, they affect opinions about the role of canvassers and promotion guidelines should develop a standardized canvassing system By clearly defining duties and evaluating them in a concrete way. Including the development of canvassers' competencies.