DESIRABLE BUDDHIST CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCAL POLITICIANS ACCORDING TO PEOPLE’S ATTITUDE IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA CITY MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are: 1) to examine the perceived characteristics of local politicians according to the public in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality; 2) to compare public perceptions regarding the characteristics of local politicians in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, categorized by personal factors; and 3) to propose Buddhist-oriented characteristics for local politicians based on the perspectives of the public in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality. This study employs a mixed-methods research design. The quantitative component utilizes a questionnaire for data collection, which demonstrated an overall reliability coefficient of 0.865. The sample consists of 379 eligible voters aged 18 and older residing within the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics—specifically frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation—while hypotheses were tested using t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The qualitative component involves in-depth interviews with 9 key informants, with the data analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

The research findings indicate that: 1) the perceived characteristics of local politicians, according to the public in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, are rated at a high level overall (x̄ = 4.48); and 2) a comparison of the perceived characteristics of local politicians in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, categorized by personal factors, reveals no significant differences. Thus, the research hypothesis was rejected. Regarding the desirable characteristics of local politicians from a Buddhist perspective—as perceived by the residents of Nakhon Ratchasima City Municipality—it was found that the application of the *Sangahavatthu 4* (the four bases of social solidarity) by local politicians influences their administration across five key areas: personality, responsibility, decision-making, communication, and ethics/morality. Specifically, the implementation of *dana* (generosity), *piyavaca* (kind speech), *atthacariya* (beneficial conduct), and *samanattata* (impartiality/consistency in behavior) has a significant positive impact on public attitudes and confidence. Residents prioritize ethics, morality, and responsibility above all else, followed by sincere communication and fair decision-making, all of which are essential for sustainable local development.