DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL CULTURE INFLUENCING VOTER TURNOUT IN NONG PHOK DISTRICT, ROI ET PROVINCE.

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) study the level of democratic political culture influencing citizens’ voting behaviour; (2) compare citizens’ voting behaviour classified according to personal factors; and (3) study guidelines for developing democratic political culture among citizens in Nong Phok District, Roi Et Province. The population of this research consisted of 40,269 citizens residing in 10 sub-districts and 120 villages in Nong Phok District, Roi Et Province. The sample size was calculated using Taro Yamane’s formula, resulting in a sample of 400 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The research findings revealed that:

1. Democratic political culture influencing citizens’ voting behaviour was at a high level overall and in each aspect. The mean scores, ranked from highest to lowest, were as follows: political news monitoring, civic awareness, formation of political party support groups, the desire to protect personal rights, and faith in democracy, respectively. 2. The comparison of democratic political culture influencing citizens’ voting behaviour, classified according to gender, educational level, and occupation, showed no statistically significant differences overall or in each aspect. 3. The guidelines for developing democratic political culture among citizens include promoting political awareness among citizens by encouraging them to recognise, understand, and appreciate the importance of politics at both local and national levels. Community leaders at all levels should play an important role in strengthening citizens’ political consciousness.