SUCARITADHAMMA APPLICATION FOR PROMOTING LOCAL ELECTION BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This research aims to: 1. study the level of local election behavior of citizens in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality; 2. study the relationship between the principle of integrity and local election behavior of citizens in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality; and 3. propose the application of the principle of integrity to promote local election behavior of citizens in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality. This research employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data collection was conducted using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.866 to a sample of 399 people. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation analysis, and in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. The research findings revealed that: 1. The overall level of local election behavior of citizens in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality was high (x̅ = 3.97). 2. The relationship between the principle of integrity and local election behavior of citizens in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality showed a positive correlation between the principle of integrity and local election behavior. The level of integrity was moderate (R=0.759**), statistically significant at the 0.01 level, thus accepting research hypothesis 3. The application of the principle of integrity to promote the voting behavior of citizens in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality found that: 1) Physical integrity, focusing on voting behavior without accepting benefits or committing illegal acts to build a transparent democratic foundation; 2) Verbal integrity, a key to creating a constructive political atmosphere through refraining from defamation and the use of hate speech; and 3) Mental integrity, a fundamental factor in refining consciousness to reduce greed and personal biases, shifting the driving force from self-interest to prioritizing the public good when citizens of Korat participate.