Buddhist Integration to Strengthen Youth Participation in Promoting Democracy in Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

This article aims to 1) study youth participation in promoting democracy in Nakhon Sawan province, 2) study factors affecting youth participation in promoting democracy in Nakhon Sawan province, and 3) integrate the principles of Aparihaniyadhamma with enhancing youth participation in promoting democracy in Nakhon Sawan province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. The research area is Nakhon Sawan province, with a sample of 391 individuals and 20 key informants. Questionnaires were used to analyze means and standard deviations, and interviews were conducted with content analysis followed by descriptive writing. The research findings revealed that: 1) Overall, youth participation in promoting democracy in Nakhon Sawan Province was at a high level. 2) Factors influencing youth participation in promoting democracy in Nakhon Sawan Province included political socialization, which led to youth involvement in promoting democracy. 3) Integrating the principles of non-perishable conduct with the enhancement of youth participation in promoting democracy in Nakhon Sawan Province revealed that: 1) Regular meetings for exchanging ideas; 2) Consensus and accountability in meetings; 3) Refraining from enacting things not already stipulated (rule of law); 4) Respect for elders and rational listening; 5) Refraining from oppression or abuse of women (equality); 6) Enjoying peace and using peaceful methods to solve problems; and 7) Protecting and promoting virtuous people and praising good people in society.