DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST POLITICAL CULTUER OF COMMUNITY LEADERS DON YAI SUBDISTRICT, SI MUEANG MAI DISTRICT, UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINC

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) examine the political culture of community leaders; 2) explore appropriate Buddhist principles for promoting political culture; and 3) propose a model for fostering a Buddhist-oriented political culture among community leaders. This study employed a qualitative research methodology, utilizing documentary research with in-depth interviews. Key informants were selected through purposive sampling, totalling 26 participants, including monks and community leaders in Don Yai Subdistrict. Data were analysed using descriptive content analysis.

The findings reveal that: 1) the political culture of community leaders demonstrates a hybrid pattern, combining traditional political culture with democratic values. While patron-client relationships and kinship ties remain influential, there has been an increasing emphasis on public participation; 2) the most suitable Buddhist the principles are the Four Saṅgahavatthu (the Four Bases of Social Unity) and the Four Iddhipāda (the Four Paths to Success), which promote morality, responsibility, perseverance, and rational use of power; and 3) the model for developing a Buddhist-oriented political culture should systematically integrate Buddhist principles into leadership development and participatory processes to enhance transparency, public trust, and political stability at the community level.